KN Shashikiran for Sri Balaji Temple Trust, Hamilton 1/6/12

[MV]

Violin-Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi
Mridangam - Mannargudi Easwaran

1) Vinayakane - Nattai-Khanda Triputa (OVK)
2) Bagayanayya - Chandrajyothi - Adhi (St T) KS
3) Vande Vasudevam - Sri - Khanda Chapu (Annamacharya) R,N, KS
4) Hiranmayim - Lalitha - Rupakam (MD) R, N @ Sheetha Kirana, KS
5) RTP Brindavani - Khanda Triputa 2 Kalai, Tani
Balam Tarum Balaji Arohara Hamilton Nagarsthana
Thanam in Begada, Bindumalini, Suruti.
Trikalam for each word, KS in different speeds, gathis in Valachi, Nilambari
6) Venkatachala - Sindhu Bhairavi - Adhi (PD)
7) Venkataramanan - Savithri tuned by KNS-by Brazil Subramaniam
8) Thillana- Paras-Adhi (Patnam SI)

[MV]

What was meant to be a pleasant fundraiser evening turned out to be a fantastic concert. Well attended by music lovers from Auckland and Hamilton, Europeans, North Indians, Sri Lankans and Tamilians.

By the time, Shashikiran sang his neraval for Vande, he was well in groove and all 3 artistes could sense the making of a great evening. Notwithstanding a very average sound system, the music was flowing. Lalitha Ragam & Violin return reached new boundaries, and both neraval & swaram matched the ragam. While many were wondering if that was the main piece of the evening, a 'short' RTP as he called it blitzed its way in with all the bells and whistles and more. The Tani was superb, as is expected from Easwaran Sir.

A great evening and we hope a great start to many more such concerts in Hamilton.

[Sam Swaminathan]

The highlight of the evening as for me was the raga Lalitha. As Viji was playing her turn, I mouthed the words "Hiranmayee" to Sashi and Sashi, sitting on the stage, eagerly acknowledged it. Even though he had some other song in his mind, his rendering of this song superb! And what a beatiful kriti it turned out to be! Gone are the days when one could consider Auckland NZ to be a musical desert,but, no longer it is. And considering the main theme of the concert being the future construction of Sri Balaji Temple, Sashi, Viji and Easwaran presented a beautiful garland of songs which adored the Perumal and Thaayar brilliantly. A combined blessings from all the devotees to the three wonderful artists!

[mahavishnu]

Good to hear of all this musical activity from NZ.
Not sure if I have heard Sashikiran's solo vocals in recent times. And that too with top-shelf accompanists. I like how he manages to vernacularize his pallavi line to situate it for the local audience every time (whether it is Nanganallur or Nunavut).

My best wishes for the continued success of this organization and CM in New Zealand. Some day I hope to visit the country and do a "Lord of the Rings" tour. Hopefully it will coincide with kutcheri season there

[Sam Swaminathan]

Mahavishnu Sir....you are most welcome to this land of beauty and serenity. Please do let me know about your itinerary, when ever that is.....regards

[mahavishnu]

Sam-sir, Thanks for your kind words. This is more a dream now than a plan I will certainly let you know if this materializes!

[MV]

My best wishes for the continued success of this organization and CM in New Zealand. Some day I hope to visit the country and do a "Lord of the Rings" tour. Hopefully it will coincide with kutcheri season there

@Mahavishnu Thank you for your wishes. Would be a pleasure to meet the man behind the reviews

[kssr]

Good to know of many concerts happening in NZ. CM is really reaching far and wide. Shashikiran seems to be doing extremely well abroad, reports of his concerts coming regualrly from various countries. Also,he is doing good service by participationg in CM idol and similar events. Must probably be financially well endowed from other sources to be able to support such travelling and financial participation. Wishing him all the best and a bright future in CM.

[arvind.brahmakal]

It is indeed heartening to see CM spread far and wide. Kudos to everyone who is making this happen...endaro mahAnubhavulu, andariki vandanamulu !!