Smt Vedavalli amma at Secunderabad, Kalasagaram

[sivakami]

On the 28th Nov, Sangeetha Kalanidhi, Smt. Vedavalli amma was conferred the title “Sangeetha Kalasagara” by the sabha Kalasagaram here at Secunderabad. After the felicitation function, customary speeches and all, the kutcheri started only around 7.45 PM. It was a different class of kutcheri, with no fuss, no hurried renditions. No laptops, mobile phones, looking into various colored notebooks, diaries, no recording devices right in front of the artistes, no mail /email on-stage readings, no adjustment and readjustment of the mike or the electronic sruthi box, nor adjustment of the costume, hairstyle on and off etc., etc.,
There was just blissful singing, with everyone immersed in that pure music.
The accompanying team was:
Sumitra V - Vocal support
R.K.Shriramkumar – violin
L. Arunprakash – mridangam
The song list:
1. Brovavamma thamasa – mAnji - syama sastri
2. PalukavEmi naa deivama - poornacandrikaa - thyagaraja
3. Sithapathe naa manasuna – khamas - thyagaraja ( N & S @ prEma jUci nApai pedda manasu jEsi)
4. ennALLu UrakE - shubhapantuvaraaLi – thyagaraja
5. Neemadi challaga – Ananda bhairavi - Kavi Matrubhootayya (chitta swarams; S @ nee madhi)
6. RTK- tOdi – R – 8 min; violin – 4 min; tanam followed by the Dikshitar's kriti “Dakshayani, Abhayambike Varadabhaya hasthe, Namasthe”; N & S @ Varada abhaya hasthe, Namasthe
7. Vaani pondhu – Javali in Kanada –
8. nAdapriya shivanembaru - hamsAnandi - Basavanna
9. mangalam “pavamana..” & slokam ‘Svasthi Praja Bhyaha Pari Pala Yantam’

There was no varnam, or alapana for every kriti (perhaps also due to the fact that it was already pretty late when it began and soon the usual exodus will happen around 8.30 PM!). But every composition was rendered so soothingly and beautifully. I am actually too small even to write anything about her. SumitraVasudev supported very well, as mami was having severe cold and cough. This was the first time I was attending a live kutcheri of the veteran, and hence had a gala time, enjoying every piece, the ragam, bhavam, clear diction and all. During the anandabhairavi , it was so soothing, so much bliss on her face I was telling my friend nearby, “ ee kriti paaadi mana madhi challagaa chesthunnaru vedavlli garu “ . Special mention of course must be made about Shriram kumar and Arun Prakash who ably supported mami. I felt I was fortunate to experience that 2hr-bliss atleast once in my lifetime. I only missed Revanth very much, who could not make it that day....
Although it is almost a week after the concert, I felt I must post at least now, as a mark of respect for Vedavalli amma. Till yesterday we were all busy attending the Annual festival..

[rshankar]

Sivakami - thank you for that review, and the listing of the negatives that made this a great concert for you!!
Sounds like it was a wonderful concert....

[Nick H]

All my favourite negatives!

Your post has made me smile the very special smile which is reserved for Smt Vedavalli. I have to wait another nine days before I see her again. Yes, I am counting!

[gardabha_gana]

Any recordings please? Nick - I am planning to attend the opener at MA. I believe it is not ticketed. Will mortals like me be able to get into the MA concert - or should I be connected or is there an an invite or such to get in? I am from Bangalore - and am planning to come that morning to madras.

[revanthv552]

missed this concert! Thank you so much for the review sivakami! Was waiting for the song list from you!

[Nick H]

Any recordings please? Nick - I am planning to attend the opener at MA. I believe it is not ticketed. Will mortals like me be able to get into the MA concert - or should I be connected or is there an an invite or such to get in? I am from Bangalore - and am planning to come that morning to madras.

No, sorry, I am not a pocket-recorder man. I do try to get to all of her Chennai-city concerts, though, and Sumithra's too, although I don't score 100%.

As far as I know... that concert is free, and we should be able to get in. Best be there early. How early is "early?" I'm wondering the same thing myself. Whilst her concerts are well attended, I would not expect a completely full hall. Trouble is, I don't know if being the MA Season Inaugural concert will change that.

[arasi]

Gardhaba gana,
I don't think you need to worry.
Come early, as Nick suggests, and there will be plenty of seats for us with a good view of the stage.