'Vasantholsavam', The music dance feast
Vasantholsavam, the complete music and dance feast organized at Kochi provided an unprecedented opportunity for music and dance enthusiasts of Kerala. The festival was organized by the State and Central departments for tourism for a consecutive second time. The programme presented to the aspiring audience a number of concerts that too by eminent maestros from various branches of Indian Music.
The Inaugural concert was by the maestro; Dr. Balamuralikrishna who started the concert with the varnam in Gambheeranattai . It was followed by another spectacular piece in Chandrajyothi raga . After that Dr.Balamuralikrishna elaborated the Deshakshi raga in his typical style. The Krithi that he selected was the Saraseeruha nabhamudaaram by Maharaja Swatitirunal . This piece was followed by Lavangi raga , the one that everyone expected next. Attukal Balasubrahmaniom provided excellent support on the violin.
The second days programme was marked by Ghulam Ali 's concert with a variety of popular pieces coming to life in front of the listeners. He started with 'Mein Khayal hoon kisi aur ka' with a few vibrant tihais and sargams . The much sought after piece, 'chupke chupke raat din ' was also received by great applause. The piece that he rendered in Raag 'darbari' was also worth attention.
-The author Mr.Vishnuraj.S is a Mridangam artist