Abhishek Raghuram Shanmughananda Hall, Mumbai

[mahesh3]

A personal experience email that I am forwarding. Written by Mangalam Krishnan from Mumbai.

Namaskaram. Truely soulful music...this is what we have to say ..from the time we started listening to his Margazhi Utsavam where Abhishek had sung the Kalyani Pallavi composed by Padmabhushan Sri TNS Sir (was fortunate to learn from him for a short while - had taught me Merusamaana, Ethutanilachchithe, Sri Kaanthimathim, Maayatheethaswaroopini, Thalli ninnu, Janani paahi in 1993, in Bangalore when I was learning from him...those memorable days!!), to the concert on 9th March, 2014 at Shanmukha, its been only "when next, what next, from our dear Abhishek"...not one day passes without thinking or talking about him...In fact, I owe him a Shishya Namaskaram, because I learnt "Raaga rathnamaalikache" from one of the recordings and sang in Chembur Fine Arts in 2012 (Ganesh Chaturthi day).

We have shared the pictures taken on 9.3.14 on our FB pages, and I have written the following while sharing:


"Only recently I had watched Sri Abhishek's Jaya TV program, Margazhi Utsavam 2013. To one of the questions, he had opined that "ANY MUSIC SHOULD HAVE SOUL". He lives, breathes this statement according to me. His interpretations, improvisations of any composition would by far, can only be a Vaaggeyakkara's delight !! The soul of the composer, the Raaga Devathaas would only wonder at Abhishek's excellent capacity and aesthetic sense in bringing out the very essence of the emotions out of the lyrical content, Saahitya Shudhdham, the nuances of the raaga so very effectively. Today's Kandan Seyal Andro, Bhakthajanakalpalathika of Kamakshi Swarajathi, the Pahaadi Thillana, Bhujagashaayino, Sarasa Saamadaana were best examples...very soul stirring experience. Only prayer is that may such fresh, thought provoking music bring in more and more audience, students, who can benefit by a presentation filled with a traditional Carnatic content, beautifully complimented by a chaste Hindustani approach while handling raagas like Pahaadi, Sindubhairavi, spiritually elevating, technically intriguing, challenging...Thank you Abhishek...

Music Students!! Sure, Abhhishek's hard work, search for perfection, newer vistas, have brought him to the level where he stands tall...as an inspiration to all of us!!"

Its indeed a great boon bestowed on us, that, the Goddess of knowledge has at least given us that little bit Gyaanam to slightly understand and appreciate his music.

Just to repeat and place on record what I had told Abhishek personally after the concert is that, on 7th March had heard Amba Kaamakshi, live, in Mumbai.. by one of the "famous" artistes and prayed to Her that we should be fortunate enough to listen from him...She and him heard my plea, am sure...Yet to get out of the "what a coincidence" feeling...especially, the Bhakthajanakalpalathika part, "Parama" Paavani gaadha, Bahusampadhala Nee che ipudu Maa...Kudos!! Very happy that I could hear the Paahadi Vocal version for the first time from HIM, which I have been wanting to, since 30-32 years or so...when I got introduced to Hindustani Raagas through the Legend Sri Lalgudi Sir, through his Thillanas in Desh, Hamirkalyani, Pahaadi...the Reethigowlai (Janani Ninnuvina), heard by me when I was possibly in 6th standard, is still ringing....

Thank you very much for being such an inspiration to even provide an instant relief when we are terribly stressed out...May musical journey continue to excel, inspire many more....

With best wishes and lots of love,
Mangalam

[Rsachi]

Smt. Mangalam,
Your exuberant and emotional appreciation of the young maestro finds a ready echo in many a rasika here.
I wish you all the best and relief from the high level of stress you mention.
As a musician and rasika you are well placed to work on bringing down your stress level. Nothing better than music to destress anyone!

[appu]

Mahesh3

Could you please give details of accompanying artists. No concert is complete without that info.

Many thanks.

[mahesh3]

This concert had Abhishek (vocal), Sathya on Keyboard, Anantha Krishnan on mrdangam and Shree Sundarkumar on Khanjira, Raghu on tambura. It was held on March 9th.