nivedanam: 80th year celebration of Sangitha Kalanidhi Vidushi Dr R Vedavalli @ Sivagami Petachi, Nov 13th

[Nick H]

It was a beautiful event.

For the music performance section, there were about 21 students on the stage. A number of pieces were presented, sometimes by all, sometimes by groups within the whole. Many of the songs had either tunes, words or both written by Smt Vedavalli herself. Every song was well orchestrated and well presented.

Sumithra spoke expertly (of course!) on tanum and neraval in Smt RV's music. She spoke in English, and with great clarity such that even the likes of me could follow what she was saying. I would really love to hear a longer version!

The program was presented and compered by the students. Each one who spoke showed themselves to be expert in public speaking as well as music. Each of the special guests who spoke also did so with simplicity and heartfelt sincerity.

Much was said. A small personal note is that it was mentioned that Smt RV had a quality of "inclusiveness." Someone said that anyone coming within two feet of her seems to become part of the family. My wife asked if that was what happened to me, I replied, of course!

Inclusiveness spreads to the whole "family." It seems to me that there is just one qualification for membership: to love Smt Vedavalli and her music. It is wonderful and heart-warming to me to receive not only the friendship of Smt Vedavalli and her husband, but that of her students too. It seems to be: "you love her and her music: that is good enough for us."

One non-Indian lady, who I had met a few months ago, had travelled from Paris, where, having learnt from Smt Vedavalli, she now teaches carnatic music.

[kvchellappa]

How sad, the webcast failed!

[Nick H]

Yes, it is sad: it would be good to have that permanently on youtube. I don't think Paravadani were even there, they were certainly not recording: the "technical problem" may have been that they were under water somewhere

It was videoed, though. I'll make enquiries as to if the video might be uploaded, and I'll add a please

[Nick H]

It was videoed, though. I'll make enquiries as to if the video might be uploaded ...

The answer is yes

[gardabha_gana]

Nick, can you let us know when it is.

[Nick H]

Assuming that I get to hear first, then, sure, I'll pass on the information for all.

Smt Vedavalli is presenting a lecdem, as part of the Parivadini series, on 26th. I'll check it out then

[munirao2001]

Nick.H.Sir,

Many of the songs had either tunes, words or both written by Smt Vedavalli herself

Has she set to tune lyric(s), written lyric(s), a tune smith? a vaggeyakara? Tune smith, yes. A vaggeyakara, not known to me.

munirao2001

[Nick H]

I am only repeating snippets that I heard. I'll leave the video to explain further --- or you could enquire from one of her students.

I understood that there were several songs for which she had written both words and music. Particularly, one song which was performed by a group of smaller children.

I don't know that she has ever announced that any song she sang in concert was her own. Others will be better informed than I. It occurs to me that, after so many decades, I would be surprised if she had not composed any music herself.

[kvchellappa]

report in The Hindu:
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp ... 897179.ece

[Nick H]

A nice report, according to which I mistook that only some of the compositions in the first part were hers. According to the report, they all were. A beautiful photograph too.

[K Nagarajan]

Last week I came across an upload of a lec dem on niraval by Smt.R.Vedavalli.
I am not able to locate it now.
Can anyone give information on the location where it is available.
Thanks.
K.Nagarajan

[hnbhagavan]

The best possible chaste music comes from Madam Vedavalli and her students.There are no gimmicks.Highly accomplished artist.

[Nick H]

Last week I came across an upload of a lec dem on niraval by Smt.R.Vedavalli.
I am not able to locate it now.
Can anyone give information on the location where it is available.
Thanks.
K.Nagarajan

It was webcast by Parivadini and you will find it on the Parivadini YouTube Channel.

The specific URL for this lecdem is here: RV Niraval Lecdem