Srikanth Koundinya's chamber concert

[Bhargavi C]

A private concert by Srikanth Koundinya, Neyveli Santhana Gopalan’s student, took place on the evening of Nov 23rd.
Venue: The Atrium, Thiruvanmiyur, residence of Abhishek Krishna, Srikanth’s student.

The performance lasted an hour and a half and had a good gathering of rasikas. NSG was present from start to finish - encouraging, enjoying and motivating his sishya - a sight to behold.

Srikanth’s mellifluous voice and his smooth, unhurried presentation provided for a very pleasant experience. He was accompanied by Smt. Hemamalini on the violin and Sri. Thyagu on the Mridangam, both of whom provided subtle and effective support.

Song list:
Samidaya - Varnam - Kedaragowlai
Nadasudharasam - Arabhi
Gnanamosagaradha - Poorvikalyani
Janani Ninuvina - Reethigowlai
Palayamam - Kannada
Enaati nomu - Bhairavi
Rama pahi - Kapi
Vani pondhu - Javali - Kaanada
Vangakadal

The concert started with a brisk and precise rendition of the kedaragowlai varnam, setting the expectation for the evening. Srikanth’s veena bhani patantharam was recognizable right from the word go. The varnam was followed by the arabhi krithi, Nadasudharasa, in which Saint Thiagaraja worships SriRama as ‘naada’ personified.

Next came a telling alapana in poorvikalyani followed by ‘Gnanamosagaradha’ where the saint pleads with Rama to grant him gnana to understand the advaita philosophy. Janani ninuvina in Reethigowlai by Subbaraya Sastri was a choice much appreciated by those present and it was beautifully rendered.

Enaati nomu in Bhairavi was picked as the main piece. The krithi was presented in a soulful manner, after the alapana. A long phrase was taken up for neraval - Sundaresa suguna brinda"¦.. paavana, which made it pretty interesting. The performance ended with a few thukadas and it left a lingering feeling of peace in the listeners. Sri Murali Viswanathan, sishya of Sri TNK and a close friend of NSG heard the concert. He had some note-worthy words of praise for the young vocalist.

[rshankar]

Nice song list.

Thanks for your review! Where in Tiruvanmiyur is the Atrium located?

EnAti nOmu phalamO by Smt. MSS is my all-time favorite rendering of this kriti - and she does the nereval for the phrase sundarESa suguNa brnda daSaratha nandana aravinda nayana pAvana as well.

[Bhargavi C]

Hi,

Atrium apartments is located on Kalakshetra Road, behind Thiagaraja theatre.

[ratnam]

I regret missing Srikanth`s performance. I know his potential and the choice of Kritis speaks volumes about his confidence in handling different ragas.His Guru`s approval indicates Srikanth has come of age and is ready to perform in major Sabhas. Wish him all success.