Music Blog - Prabha Girish, Senior Manager, Business Strategy, Walmart ARTISTS: Matangi Arun, Medhansh Sankaran, Vishaak Rajaram, Vedanth Attili “Enna Thavam Saithanai” – a beautiful composition by Papanasam Sivam set in Raga Kapi translates to asking Yashoda, “what penance did you do to get Lord Krishna as your child?” I wonder, what penance did we do to witness the Yuva Utsav this year. Thanks to Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation for the platform and opportunity to bring young and budding musicians to perform and delight us on a Saturday evening. Matangi Arun, Medhansh Shankaran disciples of Vidwan Shri. Vittal Ramamurthy and Vishaak Rajaram, disciple of Rohan Krishnamurthy, rendered spectacular performances on Indian Classical Violin and Mridangam. The show started with a Bhairavi Ata Thala Varnam followed by some of the famous Kritis (songs) Parathpara, Guruleka, Maragathavalli composed by Papanasam Sivam, Saint Thyagaraja, and Muthuswami Dikshitar respectively. The main piece, a Thillana Medley in Karnaranjini, Dwijavanthi and Mishrashivaranjini ragas composed by Shri Lalgudi Jayaraman and arranged by Vidwan Shri. Vittal Ramamurthy, was exhilarating. The piece included the raga alapana elaborating the three different ragas leading up to the song followed by swarams extemporization (unrehearsed notes of the raga) and a solo performance by Vishaak. Vishaak delivered complex patterns of the rhythm and displayed his outstanding percussion skills with the mridangam. The artists were scrupulous in their delivery and simplified it for the diverse audience to enjoy their performances. The introductions of raga and tala of the song, sharing memorable experiences during their phase of learning these songs from their Guru were some of the more interesting interactions with the audience. As a musician myself raising two young boys who are inclined towards Indian Classical Music, I feel the Yuva Utsav was an inspiration to young children who are pursuing learning this form of music. Before the dance section, one of our local students, Vedanth Attili performed on his mridangam with Medhansh Sankaran accompanying him on the violin. This was his first time playing as an accompaniment to another instrument and he completed the task with elan. It was short performance of 15 minutes but very well executed. We look forward to a full concert from him in a few years. nce Blog - Vidushi. Megha P Rao, Artistic Director of Dhirana Academy of Classical Dance ARTIST: Radha Varadhan The stage was set, the anticipation palpable as the audience eagerly awaited the performance of Radha, a promising disciple of the legendary Kathak dancers Nirupama and Rajendra. Having witnessed the awe-inspiring performances of her esteemed gurus, I entered the theater with high expectations, and I was not disappointed. Radha, undoubtedly, is on the path to greatness, her performance echoing the influence of her mentors while showcasing her unique flair and dedication to the art form. From the moment Radha stepped onto the stage, her presence commanded attention. As she began her mesmerizing chakars, it was evident that her training was rigorous and precise. Each rotation was executed with grace and control, leaving no room for error. What truly impressed me was her impeccable landings after the chakars – firm and strong, displaying her mastery over every aspect of her craft. Despite the challenges posed by a rough surface, Radha’s footwork remained unwaveringly strong and clear. Her movements flowed seamlessly, effortlessly gliding across the stage with a fluidity that belied the surface beneath her feet. It was a testament to her skill and dedication that she managed to navigate the terrain flawlessly, never once faltering in her performance. The selection of choreographies for the evening was diverse, each piece imbued with its own unique feel and emotion. From the delicate intricacies of a thumri to the exuberant energy of a tarana, Radha showcased her versatility as a dancer, captivating the audience with her every move. Her dedication and perseverance towards her art form were evident in every step, every gesture, as she poured her heart and soul into each performance. What struck me most about Radha’s performance was her ability to embody contradiction. She was graceful, yet firm; elegant, yet infused with a hint of naughtiness in her eyes. Like water, she moved effortlessly across the stage, her movements fluid and effortless, captivating the audience with every sway of her body. Her drishti, sharp as a dart, held the audience in thrall, drawing us into her world with every glance. As the final notes of the evening’s performance faded away, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and admiration for Radha and her incredible talent. It was a well-spent evening, filled with moments of beauty and brilliance that will stay with me long after the curtains have closed. Radha is undoubtedly an artist in the making, her potential limitless, her future bright. I eagerly await the opportunity to witness her continued growth and evolution as a dancer, knowing that she is destined for greatness in the world of Kathak. Event Experience Tom Hoehn, Resident, Bentonville I had the pleasure of attending a Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation event called Yuva Utsav (Youth Festival) with performances of both music and dance. Three young performers played Carnatic violin and the mridangam, a double-sided drum. It was super helpful to have these excellent musicians share information about the music that they were playing. They described how the melodies were constructed and the structure that was being used. Ra-Ve is such a great asset to our community. If you have not attended a Ra-Ve performance, you should remedy that situation - they are a colorful, energetic treat for your senses! Sudhir Katke, Practice Manager, IBM Technology Expert Labs
It was an incredible experience on Saturday, February 10th, at the Yuva Utsav! The dedication and talent of young artists like Matangi Arun, Medhansh Shankaran, Vishaak Rajaram, Vedanth Attili, and Radha Varadhan truly shone through in their performances. It's inspiring to see the passion and hard work they put into honing their craft, despite the challenges of college coursework. The support of organizations like Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation, as well as the commitment of parents and volunteers, play a crucial role in nurturing and showcasing such talent. Here's to many more unforgettable performances in Bentonville, AR, and beyond!
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February 2024
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