The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Young artists on song at inauguration of ‘Issai Mazhalai’

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Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Young artists on song at inauguration of ‘Issai Mazhalai’

Staff Reporter

Group of teens enthrals audiences at music concert

— Photo: R. Shivaji Rao

A youngster from Ramjhi’s ‘Issai Mazhalai’ seeks blessings from playback singer S.P. Balasubrahmanyam at the inauguration of a Carnatic music concert series in Chennai on Monday.

CHENNAI: For many in the audience, it was like being transported to the December music season at the music concert by a group of teens at the ‘Issai Mazhalai’ at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mylapore, on Monday.

The programme kicked off the year-long Carnatic music concert series to be hosted by the children’s talent group. The four boys, aged 12 to 15, had the audience spellbound with their stunning performance.

Vocalist Erode Anantharaman was accompanied by Shyam on the violin, R. Akshay Ram on the mridangam and Krishna on the ghatam.

The talented group complimented each other like professional artists, which was well-appreciated by the audience. Every song was met with a resounding round of applause and encouraging nods from the audience.

Veteran playback singer S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, who participated in the inaugural function, said it was a mistake to underrate children’s talent based on their age.

Appreciating that it was a balanced concert, he expressed his amazement at how every child artist excelled in their chosen field at such a young age.

“On the right path”

He also commended the group’s founder Ramjhi for “putting them on the right path and providing the necessary exposure.” Mr. Balasubrahmanyam suggested that innovation could be brought into Carnatic music without ruining the tradition.

Mr. Ramjhi said the music concert by the children would be held every second Friday at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan for a year. “The dream of performing in the prime slots during December music season would soon come true. Normally, children get to perform during mornings. But this year, a week-long music festival between December 14 and December 21 will be organised with children’s concerts scheduled in the evenings.” The child artists would perform in three concerts daily lined up between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m., he said.

The chief executive officer of ITC’s Agarbatti SBU, V.M. Rajasekharan said the event showcased the remarkable talent of the children. Founded eight years ago, Issai Mazhalai group has 77 children trained in Carnatic music and 11 others in light music.

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