Whispers of Bamboo, Echoes of Devotion: A Carnatic Flute Masterclass in Mysore

Ah, Mysore! A city that truly breathes art and tradition, and for once, on a rather pleasant December evening, it offered something quite special. The 'Bamboo Melody Raagas' concert, part of the revered Krishnaarpanam Series, wasn't just another performance; no, it was, in truth, an experience—a delightful dive into the soulful world of Carnatic flute music. Sri Krishna Gana Sabha, with its history and charm, played host, providing the perfect, almost sacred, backdrop for an event that truly touched the heart.

What an evening it was, truly. At its core, the program showcased the timeless 'guru-shishya parampara,' that beautiful, profound bond between teacher and student. Vidushi Sangeetha, herself a gifted disciple of the eminent Vidwan B.N. Suresh, led the charge. And she wasn't alone; her students—a testament, really, to her dedicated mentorship—joined her on stage, creating a harmonious ensemble that was both intricate and incredibly moving. You could see, you could feel, the respect and shared passion radiating from them, a connection that only deepened the musical narrative.

The journey began, as many great Carnatic concerts do, with a Varnam in Mohanam raga—a classic, yes, but delivered with a freshness that made it feel new again. From there, the flutes, those simple bamboo pipes, wove a delicate tapestry of sound through compositions in Dhanyasi, Hamsadhwani, Arabhi, and Natabhairavi. Each raga, each piece, felt like a distinct chapter, revealing different facets of emotion and devotion. The collective sound, honestly, was a marvel, demonstrating not just technical prowess but a genuine understanding of the music's very soul.

But perhaps the true magic lay in Vidushi Sangeetha’s solo moments. Her rendition of Tyagaraja's 'Nannu Vidachi' in Reethigowla was particularly poignant, a deeply emotive performance that just, well, it resonated. And her thillana in Poorvikalyani? A vibrant, rhythmic explosion that had the audience completely captivated. Of course, such artistry is often amplified by stellar accompaniment. Vidwan V. Krishnamurthy on mridanga and Vidwan G.S. Ramanujan on ghata provided an absolutely rock-solid foundation, their percussive brilliance elevating the entire experience. It’s that synergy, you know, that makes these concerts so utterly unforgettable.

So, as the final notes faded into the Mysore air, one couldn't help but feel a profound sense of gratitude. The 'Bamboo Melody Raagas' wasn't just a concert; it was a celebration of heritage, a vibrant display of talent, and a beautiful affirmation that classical music, when performed with such sincerity and skill, truly transcends time. It’s evenings like these that remind us why Mysore, indeed, remains a beacon for the arts. And really, we wouldn't have it any other way.