A VERY DISAPPOINTING CONCERT IN THIS SEASON.

[CRama]

When somebody wrote about the best concert he has attended, I will write about a very disappointing concert.

In the book Ready Reckoner of Chennai Music Season programmes, on 29 Dec, at 4.00 P.M, in KGS Main Hall, there was a programme titled Sriram Parthasarathy/UMAYALPURAM SIVARAMAN/Anoop Nair. It is given as UMAYALPURAM SIVARAMAN in the app of the programmes. Still not completely out of the spell of the wonderful programme in Mudhra featuring Kunnakudi BMK with UKS, I wanted to enjoy the majic of UKS again. And SP is a good singer of merit. So I expected a normal concert or it can be thematic programme of UKS where SP will be giving vocal assistance. When I went to buy the ticket, the minimum ticket for the hall is Rs.300. (The same rate they charged for Sanjay, Vijaya Siva etc). Obviously the rate is fixed for the star value of UKS.

When the concert started, UKS announced “This is not a regular concert. We are going to present a thematic concert called BHAKTI MARGAM. Our composers have composed many songs hailing bhakti margam and we will present them”. Besides SP and UKS (UKS seated in the centre), there was a keyboard and flute (resembling many such programmes in TV). SP started with Giridhara Gopala. Flute and keyboard providing minimum support. Next song was Eppadi padinaro, then came Vanathin meethu, Sarvam brahma mayam and a couple of songs like this. And UKS was simply accompanying SP. For his part, SP was exhibiting his vocal prowess by doing lot of mel kala sancharams, brighas etc. Then UKS spoke about Ilayaraja and said now SP will sing a song composed by Ilayaraja for a film in the ragam Panthuvarali. Then came the song Om sivoham Rudraragam bhajeham. SP sang it usirakuduthu. This was followed by thani by UKS for 5 minutes. Unable to bear more I came out.

My grudge is why UKS is required for this programme. We see many such programmes in TV performed by many troupes. And if UKS went on to give some explanations or demonstrations or lecture giving some value additions, it can be accepted. Or if a normal concert with UKS Mridangam, it is OK. And they have charged this high ticket for the star value of UKS. There was a big crowd for the star value of UKS. Many die hard Carnatic fans felt in the same manner. When so many concerts are happening in the city, this was a terrible waste of money and time.

[jodha]

UKS would have even danced for IR song had he been offered additional remuneration

[Nick H]

Whilst I know I am being unfair to a small number of successful projects, I'd say, anything that smells of "fusion" is best avoided, especially if it has to be paid for.