The inaugural concert of the 44th Tamil Isai Vizha of Tamil Isai Sangam, held at Raja Muthiah Mandram on Thursday, featured
Aruna Sairam, recipient of this year’s ‘Muthamizh Peraringar’ title, for her services to Tamil music. She was accompanied by Sriram Kumar on the violin, Bharadwaj on the mrudangam and Tiruchi Murali on the ghatam.
She began her concert with Madurai Ambujam Krishna’s composition En taai nee andro , in Arabhi, invoking the blessings of Meenakshi.
Close on the heels came a viruttam from Sivapuranam by Manickavasagar, Sabha pathikku , in Aabhogi. Piravaavaram in Lataangi by Papanasam Sivan followed with sharp laya and kalpanaswaras, which drew a round of applause.
She then sang a viruttam from Arunagirinathar’s Kandar Alangaram,Naal en seiyum , and Muruga Muruga , in Saveri, by Periaswamy Thooran. She then continued with Sivan’s Kana vendamo in Sriranjani on the importance of worshipping the deity at Chidambaram, which was well received by the audience.
The singer’s energy came to the fore in the main raga of the evening, Todi . She brought out all nuances of the raga for Taaye Yasodha by Oothukadu Venkatasubbaiyyar. Sriram Kumar on the violin rendered excellent support.
The thani by Bharadwaj on the mrudangam and Murali on the ghatam stood out for its rhythm patterns.
The singer’s favourite, Madu meikkum kanne , a kavadi cindu, was well received by the rasikas , who were expecting it any moment.
The concert closed with Tamarai pootha thadagamadi by M M Dhandapani Desikar in Gandhari; in Neelamani, a composition popularised by Madurai Somu, whose centenary is celebrated this year, and Muthai tharu pathi thirunagai by Arunagirinathar.
S. Padmanabhan
