The Hindu, Concert Review >>
From IPL (Indian Premier League) to television reality shows and mobile gadgets, modern day kids have plenty of `diversions’ on offer. A sense of hurry to keep up with Joneses is all pervasive. And, parents are no less culpable in driving their children towards quick-fix routes to fame. So, who cares for `Karnataka’ sangeetham? Does Carnatic music hold any charm to kids at all?
A trust worth placing
Well, this show at The Music Academy on the evening of September 15 puts paid to doomsayers. Indeed, the show has reiterated one’s faith in GenNext. It was a show hosted by Bhoomija, a trust formed to promote the cause of performing arts, to raise funds for Drishti Eye Care. It was entirely conceived and directed by vocalist Bombay Jayashri. She was ably assisted by a competent team, comprising her students. It was a trail-blazer initiative in that a Carnatic Choir was organized in a concert-style. Eighteen kids were on show. If these kids were outstanding, what stood out in the entire show was the innovation in presentation. The show was an amalgam of many things – story-telling, putting faith on God, placing trust on the healing power of Carnatic music and concert-rendering.
Well-directed effort
The 90-minute performance saw these kids render some of the outstanding compositions of the Trinity with effortless ease and fineness of a professional. It was all about their efforts to get their favorite `akka’ regain her voice. She `lost’ her voice while singing with them. The upset kids sing one kriti after another, appealing to various Gods and Goddesses to help their `akka’ get her voice back. Finally, they drag their `akka’, and force her to try singing. Amazingly, their beloved `akka’ regains her voice and they all join in chorus to sing a tillana with her. It was a neatly orchestrated programme. Well done kids. Jayashri and her dedicated team have done a wonderful service. Well, why can’t Carntaic Choir be a part of the annual December Music Festival? 09/17/13 >> go there
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