THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:A rare treat awaits music and dance lovers in the capital on Sunday evening. Composer king Swathi Thirunal’s works intertwined with western notes will be visualised by a group of young dancers of Kalaangan, a city-based dance and music school.
The production titled “Swathilayam” will be presented at the fifth-anniversary function of Kalaangan at the Senate Hall of Kerala University on June 24 at 4.30 pm.Eight compositions, including famous ones and lesser-known works, have been selected for the production, says Sharada Thampi, director of Kalaangan, who choreographed the show.
“Selected portions from these eight works will be presented on the stage. The show will begin with the only Ganesha Sthuti penned by the King. Ragas that would sync with western notes were selected mostly,” says Sharada. Music direction is by renowned artist Thankaraj and training by Lakshmi Benson, another director of Kalaangan.
As many as 15 singers and 12 dancers, all Kalaangan members, will be part of the live show. The works are paripahi ganadipa (raga - saveri), pannagendra sayana (raga - ragamalika), gopalakapahimam (raga-revagupti), sankarasrigiri (raga-hamsanandi), chaliye kunjanu (raga -brindavanasaranga), alasara paritapam (raga-suruti), sumasayaka (raga-kapi) and bhogeendra sayinam (raga-kuntalavarali).
“The highlight of the show would be a brief presentation on the musician King during the visualisation of bhogeendra sayinam. Its our humble tribute,” Sharada says.Five-year-old Kalaangan presents a unique production at its anniversary function every year. It offers coaching in music, dance, musical instruments and painting. The centre situated near the Golf Club at Kowdiar has over 200 students in different batches.
Kalaangan offers a special course for married women which has about 25 students, the eldest being a 60-year-old. Sharada and Lakshmi Benson wants their institution to become a cultural hub catering to all sections of society.