“Tulasi bilva mallikadi jalaja sumamula pujala kaikonavea ...” - Saint Tyagaraja.
(Deign to accept the worship that is performed with the leaves of tulsi, bilva, jasmine, lotus...)
Like the simple leaves (tulsi and bilva) and flowers (lotus and jasmine) that are offered as worship with love and sincerity, so also is this tribute to maestro, Lalgudi Jayaraman, by his students and noted artists.
They will come together on July 1, 6.30 p.m., to present a garland of songs, which will be dedicated ‘To Sir With Love.’
The concert will feature Bombay Jayashri, Abhishek Raghuram, Vittal Ramamurthy, Embar Kannan, Ganapathy Raman, Anantha R. Krishnan and Ojas Adhiya.
Says Jayashri, “We are clear about one thing, in the 90-minute tribute,we do not want the focus on us, instead we will sing in unison to showcase our master’s aura.”
The programme has been structured to highlight the multi-faceted personality of the celebrated musician. Different compositions, including his famous varnams and tillanas will be a part of this show. Each artist will express his or her connect with the legend. About the programme, Abhishek says, “This tribute is two-pronged — to those who are familiar with Lalgudi’s genius, it will rekindle memories. And to those unfamiliar with his music, especially the new generation, it will give them an idea of what a multi-faceted musician Lalgudi sir was.”
Ganapathy Raman talks about the several tips that the maestro shared with him, especially about sruti, helping him understand the nuances of music in order to be a sensitive accompanying artist. Vittal Ramamurthy is thankful to his master for not just giving lessons in music but also on life.
An excited Embar Kannan is looking forward to the show. He reveals that it was on the suggestion of the Lalgudi family that he took to the violin, which has now shaped his destiny. Anantha and Ojas joined the group as admirers of Lalgudi’s music.
‘To Sir With Love,’ a collaborative concert is being presented by Shriram group of companies to celebrate Chairman R. Thyagarajan’s 80th birthday. It will be held at The Music Academy.
