Swetharanyam Sisters Shine at 90th Birth Anniversary Celebrations of Guru Thiruvenkadu Jayaraman
Chennai witnessed a mesmerizing evening of Carnatic music as Sri Parthasarathy Swami Sabha organized a special event to celebrate the 90th birth anniversary of renowned vidwan Thiruvenkadu Jayaraman. The event took place at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, where music enthusiasts gathered to pay rich tributes to the late guru.
Jayaraman: A Legendary Figure in Carnatic Music
Thiruvenkadu Jayaraman’s unparalleled passion for Carnatic music led him to leave school and pursue gurukulavasam (traditional residential learning) with the legendary Madurai Mani Iyer. Jayaraman’s dedication to his art was evident in his wide repertoire of kritis and mastery of the finer nuances of the art form. He never compromised traditional values for popularity and went on to become a revered guru, training many accomplished musicians.
Swetharanyam Sisters Impress with Bhairavi Kriti
The highlight of the evening was the performance by the Swetharanyam Sisters, R. Nithya and R. Vidya, who are presently under the guidance of senior violinist R.K. Shriramkumar. The sisters showcased their talent with a soul-stirring rendition of the Bhairavi kriti, “Sari evaramma,” composed by Syama Sastri. Prior to the kriti, the sisters treated the audience to an exhaustive alapana, captivating everyone with their musical expertise.
Violinist Srikrishnan Subramaniam accompanied the sisters and offered a delightful elucidation of the raga. The musical journey continued with a mesmerizing thani (percussion solo) by Mannarkoil Balaji on the mridangam and Nerkundram Shankar on the kanjira. The niraval (improvisation) and swara exchanges between the sisters during the anupallavi (second verse) of “Parama pavani” were truly delightful.
Amidst the enchantment, the duo presented a rarely heard Tyagaraja Kriti, “Karmame balavanta,” which paid homage to goddess Neelayadakshi of Nagapattinam. The swaraprastara (musical phrases) at the end of the kriti showcased the sisters’ mastery of their craft. The duo also showcased their versatility by performing compositions such as Dikshitar’s “Manasa guruguha rupam” in Anandabhairavi, “Diwakara tanujam” also by Dikshitar, Swati Tirunal’s “Jaya jaya padmanabha” in Sarasangi, “Chandiranin oliyil” by Subramanya Bharati in Bagesri, “Sankaranum jaganmohananum” on Ayyappa by sage Agastyar, and “Anjel anjel” on Muruga by Mayuram Viswanatha Sastri.
G. Meenakshi Mesmerizes the Audience
Another disciple of Thiruvenkadu Jayaraman, G. Meenakshi, took the stage and captivated the audience with her melodious voice. She is currently honing her skills under the guidance of R. Suryaprakash. Meenakshi’s performance commenced with the ever-popular Sankarabharanam kriti, “Sarojadalanetri,” composed by Syama Sastri. Her rendition was preceded by a delightful alapana, setting the stage for a truly remarkable experience.
The violin accompaniment by R. Srikritii, a standard 12 student and disciple of the renowned vidushi A. Kanyakumari, added an enchanting touch to the performance. Meenakshi’s rendition of “Vallinayakanive” by Muthiah Bhagavathar in Shanmukhapriya was undoubtedly the highlight of her concert. Her meticulous alapana before the composition showcased her deep understanding of the raga.
The concert began with “Panchamatanga mukha ganapathina” in Malahari by Dikshitar, followed by Tyagaraja’s “Seethamma Mayamma.” Meenakshi then mesmerized the audience with “Aanirai meykka nee,” a Pasuram (hymn) by Periyazhvar in the Kanada raga and Jhampa tala. Delhi Rajasubramanyam on the mridangam enriched the concert with his soft strokes, enhancing the overall experience.
Conclusion
The 90th birth anniversary celebrations of guru Thiruvenkadu Jayaraman provided a fitting tribute to his legacy and contribution to the world of Carnatic music. The performances by the Swetharanyam Sisters and G. Meenakshi showcased the rich tradition and artistry of their guru. The audience was left spellbound by the soul-stirring renditions and intricate musical exchanges. As the event concluded, it was evident that the legacy of Thiruvenkadu Jayaraman lives on through his talented disciples, who continue to enchant and inspire music enthusiasts with their exceptional skills.
Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Sources:
Thiruvenkadu Jayaraman Official Website
Sri Varalakshmi Travels
The Hindu Article – Honouring a Legend
