A rich musical tribute was paid to Sadguru Sri Tyagaraja by musicians – both vocalists and instrumentalists from in and around Vijayawada - in an hour-long ‘brindagaanam’ as part of the ongoing ‘Sadguru Sri Tyagaraja Swamivari Aaradhana Sangeethotsavam’, organised every year by the city-based Sangeeta Sanmandali at Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao Musical College ground here on Sunday.
As the digital clock beamed 8.30 a.m., the vocalists led by Pemmaraju Surya Rao, Malladi Brothers, M. Sudhakar, K. Seetharamaiah, R. Gowrinath, P. Sadasiva Rao and Lakshminarayana began rendition of Tyagaraja’s pancharatna keertanas in unison with artistes playing mridangam, morsing, violin, veena and gatam. It was indeed a rare musical treat for the hundreds of music buffs as the hall reverberated with the songs hailing the Almighty. Braving the chilly winter morning, ardent music buffs arrived at the venue to take part in the programme and also joined the chorus. For the students of the music college it was a learning experience by watching their gurus performing.
‘Jagadanandakaaraka…’ in Naata Raga, ‘Dudukugala Nanne…’ (Gowla Raga), ‘Saadhinchane…’ (Aarabhi Raga), ‘Kanakanaruchira…’ (Varali Raga) and ‘Endaro Mahanubhavulu…’ (Sri Raga) – captivated the audience and kept them in an ecstatic state for long. Women artistes also pitched in encouragingly to pay their tribute to the Saint. Notable among them were Vishbatla Sisters, Gayathri and Anjana Sudhakar.
M.A.N. Raju, B.V.S. Prasad and K. Satguru Charan on mridangam, M.S. Kalyan Ramana on veena, B.B. Durga Bhavani and P. Nanda Kumar on violin, Hari Raghu Ram on morsing, A. Sastry on gatam added liveliness to the programme. The event was sponsorsed by the Eluru-based Gupta Foundation and the All India Radio broadcast the concert all over the State.
Notable among them, who attended the concert were Laila Group of Companies chairman Gokaraju Ganga Raju, columnist Andavalli Satyanarayana and Lok Satta leader Pattabhiramaiah.
