Smt. S. Sowmya - Spring Tour schedule - US & Canada

jaisree · Post by **jaisree** » 02 Mar 2006, 00:27

Friday, April 7, 2006 - Toronto
Saturday, April 8, 2006 - Philadelphia
Sunday, April 9, 2006 - Miami

Friday, April 14, 2006 - TBD
Saturday, April 15, 2006 - Birmingham, AL
Sunday, April 16, 2006 - San Jose, SIFA

Friday, April 21, 2006 - Cleveland
Saturday, April 22, 2006 - Toronto (Arangetram Concert)
Sunday, April 23, 2006 - Ottawa

Friday, April 28, 2006 - Phoenix
Saturday, April 29, 2006 - San Diego
Sunday, April 30, 2006 - Sacramento

Friday, May 5, 2006 - West Lafayette / Purdue
Saturday, May 6, 2006 - Chicago (Balaji Temple)
Sunday, May 7, 2006 - CMANA, NJ

Tuesday, May 9, 2006 - Roger Williams University, Providence

Friday, May 12 - Montreal
Saturday, May 13 - Albany, NY
Sunday, May 14 - Connecticut

Friday, May 19 - Columbus
Saturday, May 20 - Detroit
Sunday, May 21 - Rochester, NY

Sunday, May 28 - Pomona

Friday, June 2 - Dayton
Saturday, June 3 - Washington, DC
Sunday, June 4 - Boston

venkmal · Post by **venkmal** » 02 Mar 2006, 13:24

ANY IDEA WHETHER SOUMYAJI HAS ANY CONCERT SCHEDULE IN GULF ON HER WAY TO USA. THX.

jaisree · Post by **jaisree** » 02 Mar 2006, 17:02

No, not in the Gulf. But she is performing in Germany and Switzerland between March 20th & April 3rd and possibly London on Apr. 1st. I will make a posting once the confirmed schedule is avbl.

poongavur · Post by **poongavur** » 03 Mar 2006, 01:33

Would you please post also the exact date and location of Sowmya's concert in Switzerland? Or a contact telephone number or email address so I can find out? Thanks.

jaisree · Post by **jaisree** » 05 Mar 2006, 12:49

March 26th at the Museum Rietberg Zurich, Gablerstrasse 15, CH-8002, Zurich. Phone +44 206 31 31, www.rietberg.ch, E-mail: museum@rietb.stzh.ch

kiransurya · Post by **kiransurya** » 05 Mar 2006, 17:28

Could also possibly tell us Smt Sowmya's concert details in London/UK?
Any contact details etc...

poongavur · Post by **poongavur** » 06 Mar 2006, 03:12

Thanks for the info jaisree. I was hoping it will be in Geneva or near about to be able to attend.

jaisree · Post by **jaisree** » 21 Mar 2006, 09:30

Here is the complete list of Sowmya's concerts in Germany & Switzerland:

25 mÃƒÆ’Ã†â€™Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â¤rch in bern - theater "La Capella" breitrainplatz / 08.00 pm

26. mÃƒÆ’Ã†â€™Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â¤rch in zÃƒÆ’Ã†â€™Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â¼rich - rietberg museum - morgens um 10.00 am konzertbeginn (details posted earlier)

26 mÃƒÆ’Ã†â€™Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â¤rch in luzern - im tamil mandram - nachmittags 05.00 pm

30 mÃƒÆ’Ã†â€™Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â¤rch in berlin - konzert in der indischen botschaft 06.30 pm

01 april in frankfurt - thyagaraja festival (Venue: Saalbau Fechenheim Pfortenstr. 55 60386 Frankfurt/Main, Contact Tel: 0049-(0)1634023732 E-mail : thyagaraja@swaralayam.com, Website: www.swaralayam.com

02 april in dornheim near frankfurt - city hall / 04.00 pm

03 april in saarbrÃƒÆ’Ã†â€™Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â¼cken - temple / 07.00 pm

jaisree · Post by **jaisree** » 21 Mar 2006, 09:32

>>Could also possibly tell us Smt Sowmya's concert details in London/UK? <<

Sowmya is not performing in UK on this tour. She is proceeding to the US/Canada after the European concerts, on Apr. 4

jaisree · Post by **jaisree** » 21 Mar 2006, 09:42

Updated list of US/Canada concerts:

Friday, April 7, 2006 - Toronto (Bharathi Kala Mandram)
Saturday, April 8, 2006 - Philadelphia (Sruti)
Sunday, April 9, 2006 - Miami (Temple)

Saturday, April 15, 2006 - Birmingham, AL
Sunday, April 16, 2006 - San Jose, SIFA

Friday, April 21, 2006 - Cleveland Thyagaraja Aradhana
Saturday, April 22, 2006 - Toronto (Arangetram Concert)
Sunday, April 23, 2006 - Ottawa (SICA)

Friday, April 28, 2006 - Phoenix (FAAZ)
Saturday, April 29, 2006 - San Diego (Siva Vishnu Temple)
Sunday, April 30, 2006 - Sacramento

Friday, May 5, 2006 - West Lafayette / Purdue (ICMAP, Purdue Univ.)
Saturday, May 6, 2006 - Chicago (Balaji Temple)
Sunday, May 7, 2006 - CMANA, NJ

Friday, May 12 - Montreal
Saturday, May 13 - Albany, NY (Pallavi)
Sunday, May 14 - Connecticut (CTRaga)

Friday, May 19 - Columbus (CCMA)
Saturday, May 20 - Detroit
Sunday, May 21 - Rochester, NY (Rajarajeswari Peetham)

Tuesday, May 23 - Syracuse, NY (Syracuse Univ.)

Sunday, May 28 - Pomona, NY (Ranganatha Temple)

Friday, June 2 - Dayton (Dayton Temple, CMAO)
Saturday, June 3 - Washington, DC (Sankara Nethralaya)
Sunday, June 4 - Boston (srimeru.org)

aravind. g · Post by **aravind. g** » 09 May 2006, 00:43

At times we the rasikas bring out many artistes who are really not at all talented ........ i have attended many concerts of sowmya , it has not at all been impressive to me . sowmya does lot of mistakes in concerts SHRUTHI BETHAM , not able sustain in shruthi , i have few non commercial recordings of sowmya were sowmya sings kalyani raga in between raga alpana of shankarabharanam ........ what a great artist ? ah ha aha ........ this sowmya conducts classes all over the world under the brand name called CARNATICA ..... if guru implements it in a wrong the students will follow the same nuances ....... she tries to uphold traditional values of carnatic music . having such flaws in her music , her organisation CARNATICA blames about smt. Sudha ragunathan every time , eventhough sudha performs well , they give wrong analysis ... because for the same concert one newspaper where critic svk writes " sudha is fit claim herself from mlv parampara, were she need not but her music speaks about the guru from whom she had learnt and amount of hard work put by sudha too speaks in her renditiones " ......... just compare the sudha and sowmya , sudha ( padmasri award ) ......... 12 awards in thirty days in last december season ....... the amount of fans that sudha is 10000 times more than sowmya . every artist is a human being ... even sudha has not performed well in her concerts , but u cant find flaws like ( mixing up two ragas without knowing were each swara lies in that)........ why is carnatica working on a wrong way , rather giving wrong analysis sowmya can practice and enter the concert hall

sumram99 · Post by **sumram99** » 09 May 2006, 01:23

Aravind.G:

Lets not compare two artistes. Everybody has their merits and demerits. Mistakes do happen at times. That does not mean she is not a good artist. I am sure you know that her Guru is none other than the great Dr. S. Ramanathan! Well as far as CARNATICA's concert reviews go, we dont know if she reviews it. Smt Sudha Raghunathan is great artist too and much senior. She is truly the blessed disciple of Smt. MLV and is carrying on the traditon in a great manner.

From the rasikas point of view, I guess they like what appeals to their ears. Some may know the intricacies of Classical music, some may not.

Well, I just want to say that this is a wonderful forum for Classical music lovers. Lets not get into these kinds of discussions.

drshrikaanth · Post by **drshrikaanth** » 09 May 2006, 02:57

Well Said sumram99 We certainly dont need comparisons between 2 artistes. And what happens on carnatica is not our business.

Aravind.g kindly refrain from making such hate posts about any artist.

onetwothree · Post by **onetwothree** » 09 May 2006, 03:24

Aravind.g kindly refrain from making such hate posts about any artist.

I dont believe this ... So Aravind is not entitled to his opinion?? What was so "hateful" about his post?? Are you going to delete his post as well??

kiransurya · Post by **kiransurya** » 09 May 2006, 03:52

onetwothree
You need not misinterpret DRS`s suggestion. He suggested we should not compare two different artistes because its like comparing oranges and apples. Moreover, these comparisions lead to heated discussions and hamper the conducive and educative atmosphere of this forum.

If people want to argue about these kind of things, this forum is a wrong place and they may go else where...

onetwothree · Post by **onetwothree** » 09 May 2006, 04:12

Why should we curb people from offering their opinions on issues? If someone thinks that Sudha is a better artist that Soumya, then that is their personal opinion. We are free to agree/disagree with it. Instead of marking it as "hateful" or "non-conducive", why not discuss it? Or if the post is outrageous, ignore it. Forums such as this as built on foundations of free speech: anyone can offer an opinion, others may aggressively support it or be against it. You cannot arbitrarily label people or posts as "trouble-causing" or "war-mongering"

If we all agreed on everything, then where is the question of discussion/debate?

For example, if I think someone is being elitist in their opinions, I should be able to question him without a 1000 jobless people listening on every post I make, deleting them and demanding to know my identity. It is upto to the person to answer my question or ignore it.

I have used reason, sarcasm ... Any other ways to drill sense into you folks?

rshankar · Post by **rshankar** » 09 May 2006, 04:33

I have used reason, sarcasm ... Any other ways to drill sense into you folks?

And why do you care if you drill 'sense' into any one? Why are you vested in that?
By using sarcasm and your brand of reasoning, you only harm yourself more. If all you care is to get heard, learn to say things the right way.

I agree with you that everyone has a right to their opinion, and yes, there may even be a place for a 1:1 comparison between artists, but do it with style, with a view to educating. For instance, if ArvindG has a concert recording of Sowmya's where the mistakes occur, I would suggest a posting of the track with a timeline analysis. That will be educational. What is being objected to is the 'proofless' mudslinging that is the gist of the post. There is no need for negative takes on these things.

Since you seem to be so taken up with drilling sense, I hope you of all people will understand the futility of senseless slandering - serves no purpose except to blow some steam off, and I am sure everyone (including you) will agree that this forum is not the place for that.

And BTW, I think Arvind can and should defend himself.

Ravi

onetwothree · Post by **onetwothree** » 09 May 2006, 04:48

[And BTW, I think Arvind can and should defend himself.]

Absolutely ... Which is why I am not commenting on the specific debate "Sudha v Soumya".

[For instance, if ArvindG has a concert recording of Sowmya's where the mistakes occur, I would suggest a posting of the track with a timeline analysis. That will be educational. What is being objected to is the 'proofless' mudslinging]

I agree with you again ... If Arvind had taken the pains to do that, his opinion would have been valued more. However, in his defense, he does point out that he has heard traces of kalyani in her renditions of shankarabaranam which, if true, is enough ground to question her competence as a carnatic singer and as a teacher. His post was hardly in the realm of mudslinging: he does give various examples in his post while comparing the artists.

Agreed! He could have perhaps worded his post better ... Now, instead of branding his post as not being educative and abrupty asking him to "refrain" from posting, couldn't a better response have been?

" Hi Aravind, It is interesting that you question Soumya's calibre as a carnatic singer, given that she too has had impressive training under Dr. S. Ramanathan. Could you give some specific examples of recordings where you hear traces of kalyani in her shankarabarnam?"

rshankar · Post by **rshankar** » 09 May 2006, 05:10

Why should we take his word that he can even discern kalyANI from shakarABaraNAM, especially if the intent of the posting was not educational in the first place? He is not talking about some local singer, but a well respected professional. So, his post without proof is MUDSLINGING! And it may even be slander or libel that he may be held accountable for. And if a legal issue like that were to come to a pass, then it will be the forum and its administrator who will be in the hotseat along with the hotheaded slanderer.

Another thing to remember: this is his first post, and he has not established his credentials: in GOD we trust: everyone else must bring/post proof...
Arvind or anyone else for that matter has to give the proof first and then make the value judgement, and not the otherway round. If the track can't be posted, reference the commercial CD and allow time for people who have it to respond. Short of that, keep your own counsel.....

I hope we have no further discussions on this: let us to this with style and class, and keep it legal and nice. I don't mean just this one post, but all posts. There was a saying that went: if you wouldn't write it down and sign it in front of a notary, then don't say it...In these days of cyber trigger-happiness, we should probably modify 'don't say it' to don't say/post it'.

Ravi

onetwothree · Post by **onetwothree** » 09 May 2006, 05:25

[Why should we take his word that he can even discern kalyANI from shakarABaraNAM, especially if the intent of the posting was not educational in the first place?]

Why does every post have to be educational? Shall I dig up all your posts and scrutinize them for their educational contribution?

[And it may even be slander or libel that he may be held accountable for. And if a legal issue like that were to come to a pass, then it will be the forum and its administrator who will be in the hotseat along with the hotheaded slanderer.]

Common! Dont be naive ... There is no way that the moderators or the administrators will ever be held accountable for some random post on a public forum.

[There was a saying that went: if you wouldn't write it down and sign it in front of a notary, then don't say it...In these days of cyber trigger-happiness, we should probably modify 'don't say it' to don't say/post it'.]

Really! Are you from the middle ages or something? The internet is wasted on people like you.

Folks, from now on, when you post reviews on concerts, please provide only the song list. If you have any opinions on the concert (positive or negative), please provide your complete identity including an authorized background check, an annotated recording of the concert detailing your criticisms and have it proof-read by a lawyer lest there might be ground for libel.

vasanthakokilam · Post by **vasanthakokilam** » 09 May 2006, 05:50

onetwothree, you are always looking for an argument aren't you? Here is a takeaway for you in all seriousness: Not every little issue is a reason for exhibiting righteous indignation.

We can go around in circles till the cows come home but here are the facts:

1) This is thread pollution. We do not really want to talk about this in this thread.

2) Whether it is moved somewhere else or not is really at the discretion of the Mods and ultimately with the Admin.

3) We know the same points had already been made by Arvind elsewhere. We do not want to rehash the same old stuff again.

mahesh3 · Post by **mahesh3** » 09 May 2006, 06:21

onetwothree,

please go away! thanks....

onetwothree · Post by **onetwothree** » 09 May 2006, 06:30

[onetwothree, you are always looking for an argument aren't you?]

Look, all I am objecting to is the policing of posts that takes place on this forum. On the one hand, you guys claim that you are here to foster carnatic music education, yet whenever someone expresses an opinion that remotely conflicts with your pre-conceived notions of decorum and decency, its either gets removed or some moderator is quick to pounce on the post and issue a warning.

Why this paranoia? Whats wrong in comparing two artists? Whats wrong in arguing about some issue passionately without external intervention?

[This is thread pollution. We do not really want to talk about this in this thread.]

This is exactly my point!! If this is a public forum, who is "we"?? Who are you to decide what the line is between a spirited discussion and "thread pollution"?

drshrikaanth · Post by **drshrikaanth** » 09 May 2006, 06:37

This is exactly my point!! If this is a public forum, who is "we"?? Who are you to decide what the line is between a spirited discussion and "thread pollution"?

"We" happen to be moderators. Thats why "We" decide. Is that clear. If you have problems accepting authority, "we" cant help it. You can scream away to glory. Happy screaming. :cheesy:

srkris · Post by **srkris** » 09 May 2006, 06:55

Aravind's outburst seems to me to be irrational. And that means he has intent to cause ill feelings by going personal against some artists.

His example of Kalyani and Shankarabharanam is really an eyewash, since he has probably read somewhere about the two being close. And this is only his first post on the forum. No one spoke against his idol Sudha here.

So I guess he is just a plain hatemonger filled with his own ideas of musical superiority. Discussions like these rarely are educative.

Giving some credence to his observation, if we were to assume that Sowmya could not differentiate between even major ragas as Kalyani and Shankarabharanam, she wouldnt have been able to even go beyond preliminary levels of learning, much less establish herself as a leading singer in her own right over the last two decades. Sudha is very well accomplished too, but that is independent of other things.

I dont feel this irrational venting of his anger is in accordance with the ideals of this forum. He has the whole world wide web to go and rant. This forum has specific standards that are implied, and which can be gauged by the way most members interact.

Freedom of expression does not mean right to slander. This thread and posts herein are not going to be deleted because this should serve as an example to all as to "how not to participate in an online forum".

If Aravind and onetwothree want representation, I can start a new forum called "carnatic trash can" where there wont be any lower limitations to human decency. There you can all rant away to glory using your choicest expletives against anyone you want. Every Suppandi and Muniyandi will feel at peace there with his "freedom of speech" unrestrained. You can invite all your like-minded friends and have a jolly good time. What say?

By the way, I happen to be the site administrator, in case anyone wants to question my right to speak thus above. I am just trying to protect my right of free speech here, okay?

coolkarni · Post by **coolkarni** » 09 May 2006, 07:20

""i have few non commercial recordings of sowmya were sowmya sings kalyani raga in between raga alpana of shankarabharanam""

aravind

can you post clips from the few non commercial recordings you have.Very curious to know what you mean by "SINGS KALYANI IN BETWEEN RAGA ALAPANA OF SANKARABHARNAM".

mohan · Post by **mohan** » 09 May 2006, 07:55

SHRUTHI BETHAM , not able sustain in shruthi , i have few non commercial recordings of sowmya were sowmya sings kalyani raga in between raga alpana of shankarabharanam

I am not sure if you understand the concept sruthi bedham. If you shift the tonic in Sankarabharanam to Ma, yes you will get Kalyani. This is a legitimate technique and is executed by a number of musicians (including Sudha). A good example of it is in one of Balamurali's tillanas and in one of Lalgudi Jayaraman's varnams (can someone remind me which one!)

The trick in executing sruthi or greha bedham, according to GNB, is to just add the right amount of it - like adding salt to paal paysam - too much and it will wreck the taste.

Vocalist · Post by **Vocalist** » 09 May 2006, 07:57

Wow! So much happens within a quarter of a day lol

Off memory, I think aravind g was on the bboard a long time back, but I don't have any 'saved posts' of his.

onetwothree
While at the BB you might get away with saying anything and everything, this ain't the case here. The concept of thread policing is generally a good thing. For this post particularly, it isn't going out-of-hand so I don't see the need to complain.

"he does point out that he has heard traces of kalyani in her renditions of shankarabaranam which, if true, is enough ground to question her competence as a carnatic singer and as a teacher. "

Perhaps. It could also just be a major mistake in that concert that happens to be magnified, exaggerated and hence distorted by someone who doesn't like her/her music.

I would have viewed Arvind & his post more favourably if he made a separate thread reviewing a specific concert or recording. Instead he's stuck his post in the middle of this thread. It's quite clear that he aims on slandering Sowmya. Almost as bad as someone saying "Nithyashriek", but I am not going over this again.

"There is no way that the moderators or the administrators will ever be held accountable for some random post on a public forum. "

Take care in trying to appear as a "legally informed expert".

For all we know, aravind might be confusing yamankalyAni with sankarAbaranam - graha bedham is legit here too.

coolkarni · Post by **coolkarni** » 09 May 2006, 08:42

http://rapidshare.de/files/19989147/Som ... t.mp3.html

Now I know why Somu Used to announce these phases in his renderings..

Mohan .you should take us through a few exercises on Sruthi Bhedam with your keyboard.At least the major ragas and the possibilities.
(Are Sruthi Bhedam and Graha Bhedam synonymous ??)

Is this an issue which distinguishes the conservative from an experimenter.
i must admit that I get a great kick whenever Somu or BMK or MlV handlle these phases

mohan · Post by **mohan** » 09 May 2006, 08:53

Mohan .you should take us through a few exercises on Sruthi Bhedam with your keyboard.At least the major ragas and the possibilities.
(Are Sruthi Bhedam and Graha Bhedam synonymous ??)

Yes they are the same. I will try and record something on the keyboard and will post it in the vidyalayam section next week.

gundakriya · Post by **gundakriya** » 12 May 2006, 09:19

Sowmya performed a wonderful concert last Sunday for CMANA in New Jersey. The song list and raga choices speak for themselves, IMO. It was great to hear a couple of vintage padams and a javali.

Sami Ninne (Varnam) - Shankarabharanam
Yochana - Darbar (S)
Adamodi Galade - Charukeshi (R, N, S)
Gnanasabhayil - Saranga
Karu Baru - Mukhari (R, S)
Kanna Tandri - Devamanohari
Sivakamipathim - Nattakurinji
RTP - Todi - Khanda Jhampa, Chaturasra Nadai - "Mayon marugane..."
Thani
Kaliyuga Varadan - Brindavana Saranga
Velavare (Padam) - Bhairavi
Nee Matale Mayanura (Javali) - Poorvikalyani
Moratopu (Padam) - Sahana
Jagadodharana - Kapi
Kavadi Chindu
Tillana - Dhanashri
Mangalam

I thoroughly recommend pre-ordering a copy of this recording from CMANA. Apparently, the previous day she performed another lovely concert in Chicago. I don't have the complete song list but I'm told that some of the items were Surutti (Sri Venkatagireesham), Kannada (Bhajare Bhaja Manasa), Manji (Brovavamma), Meenakshi Memudam (Poorvikalyani - main piece) and RTP in Chakravaham.

Vocalist · Post by **Vocalist** » 12 May 2006, 15:27

Thanks for that gundakriya. Please shift the songlist to a new thread please.

Vocalist · Post by **Vocalist** » 12 May 2006, 15:38

I've given a couple of possibilities here. In the first track, that is just a straight example of sruthi/graha bedam. The second track explains graha bedam briefly and how it works with another example. I think this one sounds a little better and is more beneficial.

I would be grateful if someone can improve the quality of the audio too, as it would be more beneficial. This is a brief lead-up to mohan's posts.

http://rapidshare.de/files/20252985/Voc ... m.mp3.html

http://rapidshare.de/files/20254035/Voc ... e.mp3.html

Vocalist · Post by **Vocalist** » 12 May 2006, 15:45

Not particularly fond of sankarAbaranam, so hope it doesn't show too obviously.