Meena Iyer & Thulasi Prabakar
The concert organised by the New Zealand Carnatic Music Society on March 28 in Auckland was a great musical feast to music lovers.
Dr L Subramaniam and his son Ambi were a delight to watch and hear for almost three hours. The Violin master and his son were ably supported by D Rajagopal on the Mridangam at the concert at the Mt Roskill Intermediate School auditorium.
Beginning the concert with ‘Navaraga Malika’ (composed by Patnam Subramaniya Iyer), in nine ragams including Kedaram, Shankarabharanam, Kalyani, Beghda, Kambhodi, Yadukula Kambodhi, Bilahari, Mohanam and Shree, Dr Subramaniam presented a Muthuswami Dikshitar favourite ‘Mahaganapathim’ in Nattai with zest and devotion.
Sensing the mood of the audience, which was by then in a trance, the master, executed ‘Paridhana Michate,’ an exquisite piece by PS Iyer (Bilahari in five beat composition).
‘Ragam Tanam Pallavi’ in Gowri Manohari was enchanting, with an equally enchanting ‘Taniavarthanam.’
Ambi displayed his creativity proving that he is already on the path of innovative music with a great appeal to young listeners. His performance was like a flash of lightning with subtle emotions.
The violin concert was visually stunning and will remain in the hearts of music lovers for long. Popular playback singer Kavita Krishnamurthi, Subramaniam’s wife was the Chief Guest.
Meena Iyer is an ESOL and IELTS teacher; and Thulasi Prabakar is Carnatic music singer and teacher. They live in Auckland.
Photo : Dr L Subramaniam and his son Ambi in Auckland on March 28
