Having listened to him live at Arkay during the season, I missed him at Artery, however caught up that concert online. Coming to this concert, I badly wanted to attend it, not just for Ramana but also for the accompanist. Ramana must consider it as a blessing to have been accompanied by such stalwarts. This child is really blessed and happy to see organizers giving him opportunities and encouraging him.
Ramana Balachandran - Veena
Mannargudi Easwaran - Mridangam
KV Gopalakrishnan - Kanjira
1. Ganapathiye Karunanidhiye - Karaharapriya - Adi - Papanasam Sivan
2. Edhayya Gati - Chala Nattai - Adi - Koteeswara Iyer
3. Pani Mathi Mukhi Bale - Ahiri - Maharaja Swathi Thiruna;
4. Kandan Seyal Andro - Nattaikurunji - Rupakam - Lalgudi Jayaraman
5. Sevika Vendum Ayya - Andolika - Adi - Muttutandavar
6. Elavatara - Mukhari - Adi - Thyagaraja
7. Chandrachooda - Durbari Kanada - Adi - Purandaradasa
8. Thillana - Rageshri - Adi
9. Annapurne Visalakshi- Sama - Adi - Muthuswamy Dikshithar
10. Ennaga Manasukurani - Neelambari - Thyagaraja
11. Mangalam on Bhagwan Ramana Maharishi.
I am sure those who attended the concert that were treated to some chaste music on the veena. Ramana's prodigious talent is known to all and he has rising to be a star vainika. I appreciate his dedication and commitment at this young age. For me the pick of the day was the Ahriri piece composed by Swathi thirunal. I have heard a melodious rendition by KVN. And he did full justice to it on the instrument. Ahiri is a very emotive raga and can make you forget oneself. The next best piece for me as Mukhari. His delineation of mukhari was simply superb and honestly I would have switched my brains off after this
. Mukhari was preceded by Nattaikurunji ragam and can be termed the submain of the day. Any lalgudi piece is a treat for me. And Ramana played it very wellHe finished the concert with couple of pieces in durbari kanada. HOnestly I prefer MLV's version of this song especially the way she changes the nadai in the last few lines. Rasikas can check youtube for reference.
A word about Easwaran sir and KVG. Both the senior vidwans aptly supported him and at times even encouraged him. I am sure Ramana will benefit and gain experience as he grows. Best wishes to this young lad.