Suguna Varadachari

Vidushi Suguna Varadachari, one of the senior most vocalists to propagate the “Musuri Subramanya Iyer’s style” of singing was in Bengaluru to perform for Nadasurabhi on Sunday, 21st June 2015. She began the concert with a composition in the auspicious raga ‘Sri’, invoking lord Ganesha, as tradition would demand. The stamp of classicism was demonstrated right from the beginning. She next went to a sweet Thyagarja composition ‘Muddumomu’ which was handled gently. She moved on to present several heavy songs with adequate measure of ‘Raga alapana’ and short but heavy doses of ‘swara prastharas’ - simple and not very intricate. The ‘neravals’ were done at most appropriate places for a few songs. For an artist of her stature who is very well equipped with both ‘Lakshya’ and ‘Lakshana’ of music nothing could go wrong. The selection of songs, ragas, propriety of ‘manodharma’ were all precise. Each song was presented with utmost authority and confidence and the ‘sangathis’ included were beautiful. There was a satisfactory feeling of experiencing authenticity with her presentation of compositions. This was particularly true with Shamasastri’s Talli ninnu….. and Tulasi bilwa of Thyagaraja. So was it with the song in Manji.

The two young ladies who gave her vocal support were Smt.Suguna Varadachari’s prime disciples. Ms. Aishwarya Shankar and Ms. Brinda Mancikavachagan were very well trained and ably supported her . They were very competent in filling up where ever necessary.

Violinist, Vidwan B. Raghuram was brilliant in his following. His fine sketching of the ragas and perfection in following the nuances sung by the artist were highly appreciable. Vidwan H.S. Sudhindra on the mridangam had the perfect understanding of the mood of the song as well as the artist. His keen observation of her subtle usages helped him reflect the same on his instrument. So also Vidwan Omkar Rao with his efficient support rose to the occasion. The ‘Tani avartanam’ by the percussionists was highly enjoyable.

Overall, it was a top class concert, very well attended and highly appreciated by one and all.

Jnananandamayam - Shlokam Sri Muladhara Chakra – Sri Ragam – Muthuswamy Dikshitar

Muddumomu - Suryakantham – Thyagaraja

Chate bhuddhimanu ra - Athana – Thaygaraja

Neraval @ Sri Vasudeva sarvamanuchunu, (S)

Thyagarajaya Namaste – Begada – Thyagaraja, (R) (N)- Mukundadi pujitha somaskanda (S)

Muripemu galige – Mukhari (R) - Thaygaraja

Talli ninnu near namminanu - Kalyani (R) – Shama Sastri, (N)- Adi shakti neevu (S)

Triloka matha nannu brovu - Paras – Shama Sastri

Tulasi bilwa mallikadi - Kedaragowla – (R)Thyagaraja, (N) – Karunato nenaruto (S) (Main) – followed by Tani Avartanam

Brovavamma – Manji – Shama Sastri

Pahi Ramachandra raghava – Yadukulakambodhi - Thyagaraja

Pahi Rama rama yanuchu - Karaharapriya – Thyagaraja

Prahlada Naradadi….mangalam – Sourashtram – Thyagaraja

Smt.Suguna Varadachari is a leading senior carnatic vocalist from Chennai. She is a prime disciple of Musiri Subramanya Iyer and a torch bearer of the “Musiri Baani”. She is considered to be an authority on any carnatic music related technical issues. She regularly presides over panel discussions conducted by Music academy and other important music organizations, to conduct informed discussions among experts and come to conclusions which are permanently relevant to the students and rasikas of Carnatic music. As a senior guru, many of her disciples are today prominent performing artists.

Senior artists from Bangalore, Sri.B.Raghuram on violin , Sri.Sudhindra on mridangam and Sri. Omkar on ghatam will be accompanying Suguna mami (as she is affectionately called by one and all) in this concert.