Flights of Fantasy, the just-concluded classical music festival of Ganjam, was a connoisseur’s delight. Into its eleventh year now, the festival is all about promoting the cause of music, especially Karnatic music. Held every year in November at the expansive Chowdiah Memorail Hall, the event is a classy affair in terms of the calibre and variety of artistes invited to perform, and the professionalism involved in organizing it.
A detailed write-up about the musicians performing, and a background about classical music itself, brought out tastefully in a brochure, has been as much a part of the festival, which has added value to the concerts, enhanced the aesthetics of the event, and more importantly, provided succinct information that makes for a collector’s delight.
Over the years, the Ganjam festival has attained a sheen that is unparalleld, the main reason being that the concerts are open to all.
There has been a ‘mix and match’ of both classical streams-Hindustani and Karnatic, making the festival a truly extravagant affair.
Karnatic music was the essence at this year’s three-day event, which saw a jam-packed audience asking for more. For T M Krishna and Aruna Sairam, Flights of Fantasy meant a repeat performance, which, of course, the audience lapped up more than willingly, but for the Malladi Brothers, it was their maiden performance at the festival. In content and rendition, each one of them brought their unique style, making for variety within the Karnatic form. “We like to invite the best of talent, and perforce, we repeat the artistes sometimes”, says Suresh Subrahmanyan, Marketing Head of Ganjam.
If Shankarabharana raga came alive in the hands of the Malladi Brothers, through the rendering of Swararagasudha, and Vadera Daivamu Manasa in Panthuvarali, Aruna Sairam was able to mesmerize her audience even as she took to the stage. Her rendering of Vasudeva in Kalyani raga, was noteworthy for its manodharma.
Aruna’s ability to strike an emotional chord with her audience is a great strength, and this was more than evident in the overflowing hall.
T M Krishna began his concert with an unconventional Chakkaniraja number instead of the usual varnam. The highlight of Krishna’s concert was the elaborate aalaapana in Yamun Kalyani, and Jananininuvina (Reeti Gowla).
While ‘Flights of Fantasy’ has given an opportunity to Bangaloreans to listen to top-notch classical musicians, free of cost for a decade now, classical dance has not so far been a part of its bouquet. “We are looking into several aspects to make the event more meaningful, and dance certainly is a part of it”, assures Subrahmanyan.
The annual Hindustani music concert of Sur Singar, which draws a sizeable audience, is also supported by Ganjam, as part of efforts to “seriously promote culture and serve the cause of music”.
Jyothi Raghuram jyothi@epmltd.com