Flute Recital of Prapancham Balachandran on 16th July 2017

Grand Carnatic Flute Recital

Vidwan Prapancham S Balachandran                -Flute

Vidwan N.N.Ganesh Kumar                                -Violin

Vidwan C. Cheluvaraju                              - Mridangam

Vidwan N.Gurumurthy                                     - Ghatam

CONCERT REVIEW

LIST OF SONGS:

1.  Sarasuda – Varnam                 Saveri

2.  Vathapi Ganapathim               Hamsadhwani (R,S @ Pallavi)

3.  Endaro Mahanubhavulu          Sri

4.  Ganamurhte                            Ganamurthi (R,N,S @ Navamege teja)

5.  Marivere dikkevaru                 Lathangi (R,S @ pallavi)

6.  Nannu vidachi                         Rithigowla

7.  Ramakatha sudha                    Madhjyamavathi  (R,S)  Tani avartanam

8.  Jagadhodharana                       Kapi

9.  Kurai onrum illai                     Ragamalikai

10. Ethiruhalanu                           Nadanamakriya

11. Thillana                                  Revathi

12.  Pavamana                              Mangalam

Vidwan Prapancham Balachandran is a seasoned flautist who had training from illustrious gurus.  He gave a mellifluous flute recital for Nadasurabhi on Sunday, 16^th July.  This being an instrumental concert, he made choice of familiar songs so that the audience could enjoy the songs.  His choice of ragas, were also appealing.  He started with the Saveri varnam in 2 speeds.  The popular song Vathapi Ganapathim in Hamsadhwani with a brief alapana and swara prasthara later, were enjoyable.  His rendition of Endaro Mahanubhavulu, in a comfortable tempo was classy.  Thyagaraja’s composition Ganamurthe in raga Ganamurthi was very pleasing, particularly the raga alapana, as this song and raga appear to be most suitable for playing on the flute.  Neraval and swaram at Navamega teja appeared novel. Lathangi raga exposition was full of ‘bhava’ and Marivere dikkevaru of Patnam Subramanya Iyer was dignified.  Nannu vidachi in Ritigowla came as a breath of fresh air after a heavy Lathangi.  Main raga for the day was Madhyamavathi.  The lilting melody was fully exposed in the alapana followed by the majestic composition, Ramakatha sudha with beautiful kalpanaswaras.  This was followed by a ‘Tani avartanam’ of a good standard.  Ever green Jagadodharana, Kurai onrum illai were full of melody and charm.  Thillana in Revathi was lilting .  Over all, the concert was very appealing and could capture the interest of the audience.  The artist employed a medium tempo for the raga and songs with an unhurried swara prasthara throughout which helped in bringing out the melody of the instrument effectively.  His ragam, neraval and swaras were compact, leaving no room for monotony.

 The accompanying artist played their supportive roles very well.  Vidwan R. Dayakar on violin was good in his following and Vidwan Cheluvaraju on Mridangam and Vidwan Gurumurthy on Ghatam played well to enhance the concert.

Invitation:

Sri.Prapancham Balachandran  is the senior most disciple of Sangeetha Surabhi Padmashri Dr. N.Ramani. After learning carnatic music from several well known artists, he underwent professional training in flute from Flute Maestro Dr. N. Ramani and has also performed along with him in a number of concerts. Sri. Balachandran is a post graduate in both science and music. He is currently working as Assistant Director of  Programmes in All India Radio, Chennai. A regular performer at the leading sabhas , he was conferred the prestigious “Flute Mali Award” by the Music Academy, Chennai. He was also honored with the “Asthana Vidwan” of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam.

Sri. N.N.Ganesh Kumar is a senior violinist who has accompanied many senior artists.

Gaana Kalashri Sri. Cheluvaraju , senior mridangam vidwan, has been a performing artist for several decades in Bangalore and practically accompanied all leading carnatic musicians in the country .

Sri. N. Gurumurthy on Ghatam is a highly talented vidwan and has been accompanying senior artists for many years.