MY FESTIVAL
Nothing can compare to Chennai
Mandolin Srinivas(As told to LAKSHMI VENKATARAMAN)
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When the curtain went up I was surprised to find Veena Balachander and Seshagopalan in the front row.
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The December music festival is a very important occasion for me ever since I began presenting concerts. People come from all over the world to listen to Carnatic music and every year it is a new kind of experience for me. As a musician it is a challenge too. Madras obtains a new atmosphere during December. I don't think this kind of music festival happens anywhere else in the world.
I have had the opportunity to perform in many different countries. But nothing can compare to Chennai. I feel honoured to perform in places such as the Music Academy, Krishna Gana Sabha, Narada Gana Sabha, Mylapore Fine Arts etc. I came to Chennai when I was eight years old. My first Guru was my own father and then it was Sri Subbaraju. I had the privilege of listening to Veena S. Balachandar, Lalgudi Jayaraman, Semmangudi, M.S., D.K. Pattammal, D.K. Jayaraman, Maharajapuram Santhanam and so on. It used to be an inspiring experience.
I vividly recall my season debut. Although I had performed at several places, the first season concert as such was for the Indian Fine Arts, at 1.30 p.m. I was 11 years old at that time. Veena Balachandar presided over the Music Conference. I had heard that afternoon kutcheris were attended by few people and was not much worried. Thus my heart skipped a beat when the curtain went up. In the first row were Veena Balachandar flanked by T. N. Seshagopalan and Subbudu mama on either side. I was absolutely nervous.
The recital went off without a hitch. Halfway through, the great Balachandar came up to the dais and profusely praised me. Then T. N. Seshagopalan presented me the ring he was wearing and blessed me warmly. The next day Subbudu mama had given a good review. I was both relieved and happy. And I have not looked back. My role models have been flute Mali and T. N. Rajaratinam Pillai. They have been a great source of inspiration for me.
There is no time to relax or rest during the season, never mind the number of concerts one presents. It is a continuous learning process.
One has to keep practising and preparing.
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