Tamil culture showcased

THE SMALL bronze Nataraja statues depicting the various natya mudras at the entrance, the beautiful Thanjavur paintings adorning the stage and a well-equipped hall, provided the right ambience at the Kumara Raja Muthiah auditorium for the two-day festival of music and dance held on September 28 and 29.

The festival marked the first anniversary of Kumara Raja Muthamizh Mandram, which was inaugurated last year by Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer. The Mandram runs a college of Carnatic music and offers diploma courses in vocal and instrumental music. Veteran musician K. V. Narayanaswami opened the festival by lighting the kuthuvilakku. This was followed by a concert by Sudha Raghunathan.

On the second day, students of Ambika Buch's Aradhana group performed classical and folk dances.

Ambika, one of the early Kalakshetra students, had effectively integrated classical elements into folk music. Right from the invocation piece to pinnal kolattam, kummi natanam, pandaattam, and the tillana, each piece had well-choreographed footsteps and movements. The talented team of young dancers brought out the finer aspects of the choreography through their synchronised performance.

Having been actively associated with Rukmini Devi Arundale, Ambika's direction reflected the same meticulousness that mark Kalakshetra dance productions.

Besides Ambika's perfect nattuvangam, the accompanying musicians provided satisfactory support. Special mention should be made of vocalists Rajasekhar and Vidya Girish.

CHITRA SWAMINATHAN

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