For decades, the heartbeats of Chennai’s cultural scene have predominantly resonated within the southern sectors of the city, most notably Mylapore and T. Nagar. These areas, long considered the epicenter of cultural vibrancy, offer a plethora of opportunities for art aficionados to plunge into live performances. This concentration leaves many parts of the city in a cultural lull. However, the landscape is set for a change as Kartik Fine Arts, one of the prominent sabhas in the region, embarks on an ambitious endeavor to extend its reach beyond the well-trodden paths to Chennai’s burgeoning suburbs.
Kartik Fine Arts has recognized the surging interest among rasikas—avid art lovers—residing in the suburbs who often find the commute to central hotspots a formidable barrier to accessing premier performances. S.N. Srikanth, president of Kartik Fine Arts, articulates this burgeoning demand for cultural presence in the outskirts as a catalyst for this outreach initiative. According to Srikanth, the sabha plans not just an initial foray but envisions a systematic expansion to encapsulate areas such as North Chennai among others.
The inaugural initiative of this outreach venture unfolded in a collaborative event with Babaji Vidhyashram located in Sholinganallur. This marked a critical step in Kartik Fine Arts’ mission to democratize access to cultural events. The event experienced a Carnatic vocal recital by the talented K. Gayatri, accompanied proficiently by violinist B. Ananthakrishnan and mridangist Praveen Sparsh, blending classical artistry with local engagement.
The concert coincided with the closing of the Navaratri festivities, setting an auspicious backdrop. Gayatri commenced the recital with a vibrant ragamalika varnam, ‘Gananayakane thunai varuvaay’, a creation of her mentor, Suguna Purushothaman.
. This was succeeded by five compositions dedicated to Devi, establishing a thematic continuity that resonated with the audience.
A highlight of the performance was Muthiah Bhagavathar’s ‘Amba vaani nannu’ in Keeravani. Gayatri’s rendition showcased her adeptness in extending the charanam phrase ‘Varaveena paani’ into a comprehensive niraval and kalpanaswara segment, captivating the audience. Ananthakrishnan’s violin accompaniment mirrored Gayatri’s crescendos and lent a harmonious balance to the rendition.
The evening also featured a serene exploration of the raga Sriranjani, perfectly setting the stage for Papanasam Sivan’s evocative ‘Maatha innum vaadha’. The restraint Gayatri exercised by foregoing the niraval and swara exposition allowed the piece’s intrinsic emotion to unfold naturally. Following this, Syama Sastri’s ‘Brovavamma taamasamele’ brought forth a poignant narrative, though the sequential similarity could have been varied for more dynamism.
Invigorating the latter part of the concert was Periyasami Thooran’s ‘Thaye Tripurasundari’, a swift composition celebrating the Thiruvanmiyur deity. Here, Sparsh’s command over the mridangam was displayed through agile accompaniment during the chittaswaram passages. The highlight of the evening, however, was a masterly rendition of Swati Tirunal’s ‘Pahi Jagajjanani’ in Vachaspathi, where Gayatri’s skills were exemplified in brisk kalpanaswaras. Praveen Sparsh’s solo improvisation in tani stood out, delivering an energetic conclusion to the core presentations.
Both Ananthakrishnan and Praveen ensured their accompaniment was a master class in sensitivity and enhance the overarching harmony. Ananthakrishnan’s exploration of Sriranjani and Vachaspathi added lush layers, while Sparsh’s percussion session radiated intensity and flair.
Concluding the evening, Gayatri paid tribute to her teacher by introducing Tyagaraja’s ‘Hecharikaga rara’ and Veena Seshanna’s Senchurutti thillana, both interspersed with the lyrical theme ‘Sugunasaandra’. Remarkably, the concert featured compositions from a diverse array of composers, adding both depth and variety.
As Kartik Fine Arts ventures into this expansive journey, the anticipation of cultivating wider audiences holds promise. Although attendance numbers began modestly, there is optimism that the continued effort will weave a broader cultural tapestry within Chennai’s outskirts, nurturing a rich traditional heritage for future generations.
