Madhura Sridharan who is currently doing an undergraduate programme at Massachusetts Institute of Technology US, seemed to be on a musical battle ground to conquer the peak of excellence. A disciple of Sanjay Subramaniam and TR Subramaniam, listeners could feel the combined power of the two stalwarts in her renditions. Madhura started her concert with Jalajakshi varnam in Hamsadwani. Mayamalavagowla gave her a good opportunity to exhibit her rendition of the alapana and went on to present a Tamil song, Sivaloganathanai with barely concealed exuberance.
Her essaying of the Kalyani was brief but the raga was pleasant and forceful. The Khetragana padam Gaddara vagala, a delightful exercise formed the middle of the concert. The main part of the concert was an intense Bhairavi. Madhura traversed all the octaves with comfort and command that matched the raga’s dignity. Sarievaramma, the song, had a neraval and kalpanaswarm to add that complete touch to it. After this sumptuous fare, Madhura presented a thillana in Khamas.
In addition to characteristic of soulful singing which is part of Sanjay Subramaniam's renditions, Madhura's youthfulness showed in the energy during her concert. Like most young singers, she also has something original. Her success depends on that creativity. Bringing imagination to Carnatic alone will bring new audiences to this classical art form.
On the violin was Papnasam Gokul whose Bharavi alapana was melodious. In other places he matched Madhura’s strength. On the Mridangam was Gokul’s father, Papanasam Kumar whose thani, though not long, was good enough.