Musical Journey 2013, a live violin concert by Geerthana, Divya and Manisha Nanthakumar, known as ‘Auckland Violin Sisters,’ was held at the Auckland Normal Intermediate School Hall on June 8.
A number of popular local artistes and musicians accompanied the trio at the event, which was packed with more than 500 people.
Geerthana and Divya performed several hits including ‘Shree Ganesha Dheemahi,’ ‘O Podu,’ ‘Maan Kuttiyae,’ ‘Uyire Uyire,’ ‘Madura Marikolunthu,’ ‘Vaa Nila Nila Alla,’ ‘Katthale Kannale,’ ‘Aaja Aaja, Main Hoon Pyaar Tera,’ ‘Amma Endrazhaikkatha,’ ‘Raa Raa,’ ‘Why This Kolaveri,’ ‘Unnai Ondru Ketpen,’ ‘Jai Ho,’ ‘Konja Neeram,’ ‘Thillana,’ ‘Thakka Thaiya,’ ‘Uyirin Uyire’ and ‘Nenjukulle.’
Audience spellbound
Manisha, the youngest sister, received a great ovation for playing ‘O Maria.’ The trio jointly rendered ‘Mere Sapno,’ keeping the audience spellbound.
Geerthana and Divya performed ‘Paattum Naane, Bhavamum Naane,’ and ‘Maratha Malai’, as solo numbers. They gave piano support to Ravi Muthumanickam and Vishnupriya Mallela, for the un-plugged version of ‘Anjali, Anjali Pushpanjali.’
The songs covered devotional, melodious, folk, upbeat and semi-classical versions, enriching the Concert.
Trained by Madan Mohan, the Auckland Violin Sisters had the opportunity of learning from Violin from his father Kalyan during his visit to New Zealand last year.
Vlolin & Piano
Geerthana and Divya, have completed Grade 8 in Violin from the London Royal School of Music and are preparing for their Diploma examination.
Besides learning Eastern Violin and Carnatic Music, they are preparing for the Grade 8 examination in Piano and have chosen Music as a subject for their NCEA course at Epsom Girls Grammar School.
Manisha, a Year 6 student at Kohia Terrace School, is following her sisters’ footsteps in learning Violin, Piano and Carnatic Music.
Geerthana and Divya performed in Melbourne with ‘Puthiya Poopalam Team, led by Niroshan Sathiyamoorthy’in Melbourne in November last year.
Among the other artistes who performed at the Concert were Madan Mohan (Keyboard & Synthesiser), Dr Suresh Ramachandra (Mridangam), Peter Ravela (Tabla & Dholak), Antony Yempee (Lead Guitar), Diya Yempee (Rhythm Guitar), Shivam Padayachi (Base Guitar), Joseph Alexander (Electronic Drums), Vishnu Sreekumar (Percussion) and Balu Mallela (Ghatam).
The Concert next year, titled, ‘Musical Journey with Auckland Super Singers,’ will be held on February 22, 2014.
