Vocal concert by Vidwan Nihal. He was accompanied by  Vidwan Shanmukha Srivatsa (Violin), Vidwan P Vidya Sagar(Mridangam) and Vidwan TP Balasubramanyam(Ghatam)

Madhuri Dasagrandhi

The most awaited and beloved musical festival, organized by The Sanskriti Foundation and dedicated purely to Carnatic Classical music, has returned with its 10th edition—the Hyderabad Tyagaraja Aaradhana Music Festival (HTAMF). A true synonym for bhakti and music seva, the festival commenced with grandeur as the ceremonial lamp was lit at the Shilparamam Amphitheatre at precisely 5:30 PM. As the program began, the audience gradually filled the venue, immersing themselves in the divine musical atmosphere.

Opening Concert

The opening concert featured Vidwan Nihal, an accomplished performer and an esteemed guru to many classical music students worldwide. He was accompanied by Vidwan TallapragadaSreevatsa on the violin, Vidwan P. Vidya Sagar on the mridangam, Vidwan T.P. Bala Subramanyam on the ghatam, Sumanas as the co-singer, and Sarvis and Sarvagna on the tambura.

Vidwan Nihal began with the kriti Rama Bhakti Samrajyam in a beautifully smooth take-off, setting a serene classical mood. The audience gradually settled into the musical ambience. Next, he presented Ganamurthey, a rendition that impressed everyone, with the accompanists perfectly complementing his performance. Following this, he performed Maakela Ra Vichaaramu, continuing to mesmerize the audience.

The highlight of the concert was NaaradamuniVedalina in RoopakaTalam. The power-packed presentation began with a soulful saakhi. The neraval for this kriti was steeped in bhakti, and Nihal effortlessly guided the audience into the transcendental realm of Narayana Naamasmarana. The violinist matched his enthusiasm, while the mridangam and ghatamvidwans complemented each other perfectly, creating a seamless classical experience.

Second Concert

The second concert featured the distinguished musician and teacher, Gana DheeraVaidyanathan Bala Subramanyam, from a renowned musical lineage. He was accompanied by Vidwan Anantha Soundarrajan on the violin, Vidwan ParavasturSrivasan Gopalan on the mridangam, and Vidwan Krishna Prakash on the kanjira. Sri Ved and Advait provided tambura support and additional vocals.

Vidwan Vaidyanathan  commenced his recital with Samayamu Ye Makare, delivering an effortless performance reflective of his seniority and expertise. His second kriti was UndediRamudokadu, followed by Meru Samana.

A special moment in the concert was the Raagalapana for RamaneeSamaanamevaru, rendered by one of his young students. Encouraging disciples to perform at such prestigious events is a hallmark of great mentorship. Bala Subramanyam, true to his authentic style, executed every gamaka flawlessly.

As the kriti was widely popular, the audience engaged by clapping along and playing taalam. His freestyle neraval showcased his proficiency, while the accompanists performed exceptionally well, perfectly synchronized with the vocalist.

Third Concert

The final concert of the day featured Bhaskara Haripriya, one of the esteemed Hyderabad Sisters and a Madras Music Academy awardee. She was accompanied by her disciple Padmavathi Devi on vocal support, Vidwan B.S. Narayanan on the violin, Vidwan Dr. D.S.R. Sreeram Murthy on the mridangam, and Vidwan T.P. Bala Subramanyam on the ghatam.

She began her recital with Rama Bhakti Samrajyam, followed by SadaaMadinTalatu Gadara, a fast-paced composition that uplifted the audience’s mood. The mridangamvidwan’s dexterous play created a magical experience, adding to the vibrancy of the performance.

The Vidushi then proceeded with KaligiyunteKada in Keeravani raagam, delivering a mellifluous aalapana. Here, the absence of the late Lalitha was deeply felt, as both sisters would have performed a mesmerizing jugalbandi. Her presence was immensely missed. This was followed by Nannu BrovaNeekintaTaamasama.

All the accompanists were extraordinarily in sync with the singer. The concert concluded with Mangalam Karuna Jaladhe, as haarathi and naivedyam were offered to Lord Rama and Tyagaraja Swami. All the artists were felicitated after each concert.

The first day of HTAMF ended on a high note, leaving the audience eagerly anticipating the upcoming concerts for the next four days in this grand celebration of Carnatic music.