CHENNAI: M ambalam Sisters (Chitra and Vijayalakshmi) hail from a music family. Their father K S Rangachari was a kanjira vidwan of repute. The sisters had the advantage of being trained in the ‘Tiger school’ under maestros B V Raman and B V Lakshmanan and now under vidushi Suguna Varadachari in Musiri school. When they presented their recent concert for Kartik Fine Arts at the Bhavan’s Rajaji Vidyashram Auditorium in Kilpauk, it was evident that they were striving to achieve the pinnacle of perfection. They commenced the recital with (Pullum Silambinakan) Thiruppaavai which was appropriate for the day, in Raga Atana, setting in tune for a cohesive design in presentation. The composition brought out the inner core of rasa and the emotive portrayal of Raga Suddhadhanyasi (Azhaga-Azhaga) in Kanda Chaapu of Ambujam Krishna. It was quite appropriate that on the eve of Ambujam Krishna’s centenary year, they chose this one unfolding the contours of raga, after a short stint in Raga Bahudari (Sadananda Thandavam) of Atchutha Dasar. A perceptive presentation, the rendition of swaraprasthara in (Unnai Yallal Vere Gathi) in Simmendra Madyamam Raga kriti of Kotiswara Iyer (one among the 72 melakartha kritis composed by him) was brought out with its beautious aspect drew distinct praise from the audience. Sadhaa Un Paadam, the Suddhasaaveri composition of Sadhu Guhananda Bharathi and Enneramum in Raga Devagandhari Kriti of Gopalakrishna Bharathi were apt fillers. Undoubtedly, their presentation came with sensitivity and depth, yet, sometimes, their swiftness and range particularly in Tara Sthayi, made the swaras go off the line. Hemalatha on violin should be appreciated for her excellent bowing technique. Ganapathy Raman on mridangam and Rangachari on kanjira accompanied with adroitness.