23
Dec

A melodic veena and energetic vocal concerts

This year, a memorable veena concert was held on Nov. 23 at Veene Seshanna Bhavana. The performance featured young Rakshita Ramesh from Bengaluru, who was accompanied by Sai Shivu Lakshmi Keshava on mridanga and Shamith Gowda on ghata.
Rakshita, who has been trained by Vidushi Yogavandana for several years, has shown significant improvement in her manodharma and remarkable control over laya. The pure, melodic sound of veena resonated beautifully throughout her performance. She began the concert with the opening Varna in Raga Sahana, “Karunimpa,” set to Adi Taala, which set a positive tone.
A rare composition by Tyagaraja, “Sri Gananatham” in Raga Kanakangi, was a delightful addition. Following this, she presented Poochi Srinivasa Iyengar’s “Anudinamunu” in Raga Begade and Shyama Shastri’s “Kanakashaila viharini” in Raga Punnagavarali.
Rakshita’s maturity in manodharma was evident in both her Alapana and Swara Kalpana. Her renditions displayed a deep understanding of the sahitya bhava in the kritis. Her portrayal of Raga Shanmukhapriya stood out with an Alapana filled with the essence of the Raga. Listening to her Taana on veena was a true delight, as she skilfully explored the nuances of the instrument.