Sankark, thank you for the song list. Crama, thank you for that amazing commentary.
Once the music begins, the sponsor becomes just one of the audience
However, of course I can't claim that it was just like any other concert: it was a most amazing experience. Almost certainly the most amazing birthday of my life, (except maybe the 0th one!). I am very deeply grateful to Smt Vedavalli and to all the artists, each one a senior in their field. I'm also happy that others were able to share this great music
It is never to be forgotten. Two RV concerts in three days, in total, made it many more times the experience.
Thank you to all who gave wishes, gifts, etc. Thank you to Semmu and Bharat and others who organised the generous presentation of a fruit bowl. The only disadvantage of being involved with all the artists at the end was that I'm sure I missed speaking to a number of friends off-stage.
I am thrilled, delighted, amazed, and humbled by the whole experience. I'm still amazed that Sangita Kalanidhi Smt R Vedavalli, who gives so few concerts in a year, accepted to sing for me, and I am double-amazed that
she was amazed that
I should be amazed!
It seems that people are surprised at the idea of such a concert. I am surprised that I never thought of it before, and that more music lovers do not. I also learnt another lesson: rather than sitting at home
wishing that someone would perform, it is actually possible to be the catalyst that
makes it happen! Hats off to all those that actually do.
Of course, regular concert organising must be hard work (hats off again). This was relatively easy, as all I had to do was mention the idea to Raga Sudha Jaya, who greeted it with enthusiasm (nearly a whole year ago), saying, "Of course! We will have RV's concert on July 4th next year!" With her involvement and help, and Smt RV's acceptance, there was nothing left for me to do except get a bit nervous and shy at the start! I am deeply grateful to Smt Jaya for the gift of the hall and presenting the concert under the Naada Inbam flag. Sadly, she has been called away by family responsibilities and was not able to be at this week's concerts herself.
This is beginning to sound like a speech!
My wife said I should do that... thank the artists, etc, from the microphone. I told her, Yes, I can do that, I am actually quite comfortable with a microphone, I will even make people laugh --- but after all I have said and written about speeches at concerts, the members of rasikas.org will never forgive me!
.
VK and his wife were there, and the bouquet they brought me represented the wishes of others too who took the trouble to greet me with flowers!