The second session of the Gururajachar Memorial music festival was opened by Hyderabad Sisters — Lalita and Haripriya who brought rare compositions into focus. They began with a rendition ofa rare varnam of Kalahasthi Venkatarama Raju – Intha Kopamela Gopala in Ghanaraga malika and followed it with Mamavathu Sri Saraswathi in Hindolam of Mysore Vasudevachar with a raga essay by Haripriya and swarakalpana at Sujana Manoradha Poorna Chatura by both. Later they rendered Nejesina Neramulemira in Poorna Chandrika of Patnam with swarakalpana. The next number Padaravindamule Gatitiyani in Pranavapriya of Ogirala Veeraraghava Sarma was presented with extensive ragalapana by Lalitha and the kirtana had a neraval at the line Niradarana Jesithe Naakevvaru Varalosaguvaru and followed it with Swarakalpana.
Nenarunchara in Simhavauhini of Thyagaraja, a simple kirtana presentation opened the curtains for the main composition of the concert Sankarasankuru Chandramukhi in Saveri of Syama Sastry. Haripriya presented the raga impressively with nuances. This was a fine essay enjoyed by the audience. The kirtana rendition by both was a moving experience and the neraval at Shyamakrishna Sodari and swaras, both done in two speeds was a treat. This was followed by another number of Syama Sastry Mayammayani Pilachite in Ahiri and Maana Heenanige Abhimana of Purandaradasa in Sudhha Saranga. Haripriya essayed the raga and later the duo rendered Balakrishnam Devam Bhajeham in Yaman. This was followed by Lalgudi’s Tillana and Annamacharya kirtana Vattimopumoyaleka .
Ramaraju Dinakar on violin, Burra Sriram on mridangam and K. Shyamkumar on kanjira lent good support.
