Classical music lovers were in for a treat recently at ‘Flights of fantasy’, a three-day Carnatic music festival, which brought together well-known performing artistes. The soothing sounds of classical Carnatic music reverberated at Chowdaiah Memorial Hall. While the renowned Chennai-based ‘Priya Sisters’ enthralled the audience with their performance on the first day, the second and third days had Vishaka Hari and ‘Malladi Brothers’ respectively taking to the stage.
The ‘Priya Sisters’– Shanmukha Priya and Hari Priya, who have earned their names in the classical music firmament, felt the performance was a special one. “It’s been a divine experience this time. We felt that we had a good audience connect, which does not happen all the time. In fact, it’s only one in five concerts where we share a good rapport with the audience. When we perform, we don’t have any expectations but this was a good one,” said Hari Priya. “We haven’t deliberately modernised our music. However, our listeners sometimes tell us that there has been some modernisation. As long as we remain within the traditional boundaries it’s fine,” said Shanmukha Priya, adding, “if youngsters have to get interested in classical music, listening to this genre will help them.” The accompanists included VV Srinivas Rao on violin, Neyveli S Skanda Subramanian on mridangam, BS Purushotham on kanjeera and Prasad on tambura.
According to Subramanian, there is hardly any difference between the classical music scene in Chennai and Bangalore. “Classical music is as popular here as it is there. Performing at this particular venue is always special,” he said.
Eshwar Ganjam, chairman and managing director, Ganjam, said, “Ganjam believes in the rich cultural heritage of India and through ‘Flights of Fantasy’, we wanted to pay tribute to this heritage.”
The audience, who were tapping their feet to the rhythm, were left mesmerised and were all praises for the performance. “The music was refreshing. Although I don’t go for this kind of event, I am impressed by the performance,” said Shashank, a member of the audience. “The music was excellent. I am looking forward to other performances over the next two days,” said Radha, another member of the audience. Suman, an attendee, who felt that there was nothing more that a classical music-lover would have asked for, said, “Their rendition was just perfect. I hope that there will be similar performances in the future.”