tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22694549616986254972024-02-20T18:13:53.599-08:00Dheemtana DiscussionsDheemtana Baithak Discussionshttp://www.dheemtana.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941890722410169351noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269454961698625497.post-5309872208554423542010-11-01T19:37:00.000-07:002010-11-01T19:45:21.614-07:00Baithak 21 - A fitting start for Diwali<span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 102);font-family:times new roman,new york,times,serif;font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 102);font-family:tahoma,new york,times,serif;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></span></span>Five classical vocalists performed this October evening - two Carnatic and three Hindustani, representing three gurus, showcasing ten ragas, with compositions in four languages, and in praise of seven gods! The packed Dheemtana audience thoroughly enjoyed the rich musical feast.<span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 102);font-family:times new roman,new york,times,serif;font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 102);font-family:tahoma,new york,times,serif;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:times new roman,new york,times,serif;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:times new roman,new york,times,serif;"> </span></span></span></span>Apurva Chakravorty opened the proceedings for Baithak 21, accompanied by Rama Garimella on the tabla, and Shishir Neelakant on the harmonium. Apurva sang raga Kedar - the beautiful "Painjani Baaje" describing Krishna as a toddler, by Pt. Ramashreya Jha in teental, followed by "Sharan Aayo" penned by Guru Nanak, also in teental. In her third Dheemtana appearance Apurva sang confidently, executing reference versions of the compositions, interspersed with well delivered alaaps and taans - both in sargam and aakaar. Apurva concluded with a Basavanna vachana "Yennaginta Kiriyara illayya" in raga Gara. Rama was crisp and competent on the tabla, with Shishir being likewise supportive on the harmonium while accompanying Apurva.<br /><br />Sravya Rallapalli was up next, in her maiden concert, accompanied by Vinay Raghuram on the violin and Gopal Ravindhran on mridangam. Sravya opened with Muthuswamy Dikshitar's "Maha Ganapathim" in raga Nattai, Eka taala, followed by "Mangambuthi" on Lord Hanuman in raga Dharmavathi, Adi taala, penned by Annamacharya, concluding with her guru Smt. Jayashree Varadarajan's composition in raga Abhogi "Jaya Jaya Jayashree Varamahalakshmi"<br />in Adi taala. Sravya sang with maturity and was melodious throughout, bringing out well the mood of each raga and the bhava of each composition. Vinay accompanied beautifully on the violin, with Gopal enhancing the performance with his lively mridangam playing.<br /><br />Gayatri Sabne was the next singer, accompanied by Vishnu Nair on tabla, and Shishir Neelakant on harmonium. Gayatri sang raga Durga - the traditional "Ata hi Ghanghor" in vilambit Rupak, followed by a tarana in drut teental. In her 4th Dheemtana appearance, Gayatri sang with authority and flourish, wowing the Dheemtana audience. Her full-throated rendition brought the graceful raga Durga to life, with beautiful alaaps and strong taans. Vishnu was steady with his theka on the tabla, and Shishir in perfect step with his harmonium accompaniment to Gayatri.<br /><br />NavyaMaithri Konda sang next, in her first concert, with Vinay Raghuram on violin, and Gopal Ravindhran on violin. Navya opened with Sripadaraya's somber composition in Bhowli, Adi taala, "Parvathi varasutha", followed by "Rara Rajeeva Lochana" in Mohana, Adi taala, and concluding with her guru Smt. Jayashree Varadarajan's composition in raga Yaman, "Govinda Namo", Adi taala. Navya was spirited and energetic in her singing, and her swara kalpana in<br />Mohana with Vinay's excellent violin accompaniment was pleasing. Gopal shone in his mridangam playing and his short tani avartanam left the audience wanting to hear more.<br /><br />Pramod Korwar brought the curtain down on the evening of multi-hued music, singing the melodious raga Chhaya Nat. Accompanying Pramod on tabla was Rama Garimella, with Medha Korwar on the harmonium. Pramod sang the traditional madhyalaya composition "Eri Maalaniya" in Addha Teentaal. Pramod sang unhurriedly and with relish, bringing out the gentle beauty of the raga. Rama was steady on the tabla with her addha, and Medha in sync with<br />her father on the harmonium.<br /><br />The Dheemtana website has already been updated with pics, audio, and video from Baithak 21 - please enjoy!<br /><br />Baithak 22 is next - on Saturday, December 18th, again in Los Altos Library.There is just one performance spot still open, so if you'd like to perform, please send in requests to dheemtanabaithaks@gmail.com, or dheemtana@gmail.com.<br /><br />Till then, GO DHEEMTANA!<br /><br />And, wishing all Dheemtana-ites a very Happy Deepavali!<br /><br />Thank you,<br />Dheemtana Baithaks<span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 102);font-family:times new roman,new york,times,serif;font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 102);font-family:tahoma,new york,times,serif;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:times new roman,new york,times,serif;"></span></span></span></span>http://www.dheemtana.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941890722410169351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269454961698625497.post-20505972019683178552010-11-01T19:28:00.000-07:002010-11-01T19:36:04.898-07:00Dheemtana is 4!!!! Years Old -- A Grand Celebration to mark the eventDear Dheemtanites,<br />We just completed four years, and what better way to celebrate the coming of age of the community. We had a novel baithak with different genres of Indian classical music portrayed to highlight the open forum that Dheemtana provides to our younger artists.<br /><br />The melodious strings of Anooshka's Sitar beckoned the start of the musical journey for the evening. She started with Raag Pilu and very elegantly finished off with Raag Megh. The faster paced Raag Megh was a delight to listen and Vikas Yendluri's dexterous fingers flying on Tabla did a fantastic job supporting Anooshka.<br /><br />After Anooshka it was time for us to move further south in India to Carnatic Music. Anirudh Venkatesh ensured that everyone, including the audience who were not familiar with the language, were comfortable with the melody that emanated from him. He started with a Saint. Tyagaraja composition in Raga Janaranjani. How apt was that? Not only did the Raga be Janaranjani, his singing it made it even better Manoranjan for the group. True to his word or singing, he rendered his second piece in Raga Todi, if the kalpana swarams of the previous piece did not get all the audience, his alapana of Todi quietened down the crowd to a pregnant silence. Just as they were expecting his shower of fast paced kalpana swarams pulled out of his immense quiver of music kept the audience spell bound to this person with a very humble but yet powerful demeanor. Anirudh topped off his rendition with a small piece in Raga Mand to a feeling of insufficiency from the audience. He was supported wonderfully by Sri. Ragavan Manian on violin and Sri. Ganesh Ramanarayanan on mridangam.<br /><br />The pace and the bar was set for the main performance of the evening, with Smt. Sujata Ghanekar. She started off with an exquisite vilambit in Raag Gawti, her captivating voice almost immediately mesmerized the crowd. Smt. Sujata's voice spanning at least three octaves was a delight to listen to. She continued her concert with a wonderful tarana in Raag Hamsadwani. Her varying pace taans in the tarana were exquisitely delivered and left the listeners wanting for more, which they did get in the form of exquisitely rendered Marati Natyageet. She concluded the event with a bang and the highlight of the day, "Bhavani Dayani" in Raag Bhairavi. A fitting tribute to the upcoming Navarathri, Durga Pooja and Dasara. The audience were enthralled by the rendition of such a beautifully composed prayer to Goddess Bhavani.<br /><br />With a longing for more music, we drew the curtains on the wonderful evening which was elegantly compered by Smt. Anupa Chakravorty. Sri. Padmanabha Rao and his family, an ardent supporter and founding member of the group helped immensely in setting up the place for the show. The videos will definitely highlight the wonderful job that was performed to pull through such a good show.<br /><br />The website has been updated, so please enjoy the lovely music once more.<br /><br />GO DHEEMTANA!!!<br />Website: <a href="http://www.dheemtana.org/" target="_blank">http://www.dheemtana.org</a><br />Attend Baithaks, Perform; Attend Baithaks, & Perform Betterhttp://www.dheemtana.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941890722410169351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269454961698625497.post-41945703852525742052010-08-20T11:32:00.000-07:002010-08-20T11:41:58.692-07:00<table style="table-layout: fixed;" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="100%" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td width="25"><br /></td><td style="overflow: hidden; white-space: nowrap;" valign="top"><table style="white-space: normal; width: 657px; height: 912px;" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td height="25"><br /></td></tr><tr><td> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-family:verdana,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:100%;" ><div> <div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:bookman old style,new york,times,serif;font-size:10pt;"> <div style="text-align: left;font-family:bookman old style,new york,times,serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;font-family:bookman old style,new york,times,serif;font-size:100%;" >Summary of Baithak 19</span><span style="text-decoration: underline;font-family:bookman old style,new york,times,serif;" > - <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">August 14th 2010</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:bookman old style,new york,times,serif;">The summer baithak of Dheemtana was special - five Hindustani vocalists performed,</span><span style="font-family:bookman old style,new york,times,serif;"> representing three different gurus, and airing eleven ragas!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:bookman old style,new york,times,serif;" >Pragathi Guruprasath</span><span style="font-family:bookman old style,new york,times,serif;"> was up first, performing Kalavati as her main piece.</span> She was accompanied on the tabla by Shashank Patil, and on the harmonium by Shri Manoj Tamhankar. In Kalavati Pragathi sang <span style="font-style: italic;">Piya Ghar Aaye</span>, in Vilambit Ektaal, followed by <span style="font-style: italic;">Saajana Tore Bin</span> in Drut Teental, both by Tanarang (Pt. Viswanath Ringe). Pragathi impressed with her open throated and resonant voice and the phirath she was able to exhibit with it. Pragathi closed with a Marathi Abhang -<span style="font-style: italic;"> Vaikuntha Pandhari</span>, by Sant Chokha MeLaa set as a ragamala by Shri Manoj Tamhankar based on ragas Deshkar, Janasammohini, Yaman, and Bhimpalas. Pragathi brought the spirited abhang to life, aided by Shashank's lively tabla saath, and Manoj-ji's encouraging presence.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ranjita Swamy</span> was up next, singing Lalit, with Vikas Yendluri on tabla and Shishir Neelakant on harmonium. Ranjita sang the traditional vilambit ektaal bandish <span style="font-style: italic;">Raina ka Sapna</span>, and <span style="font-style: italic;">Jogiya more ghar aaye</span> in drut Teentaal. Ranjita's singing was intense and meditative and transported the audience to a different time and place, specially the dream like <span style="font-style: italic;">Raina ka Sapna.</span> Vikas and Shishir's camaraderie was evident as they played creatively and interactively with laya while accompanying Ranjita.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shouvik Neogi</span> performed Bageshree next, with Amit Rao on tabla, and Ameya Rao on harmonium. Shouvik sang <span style="font-style: italic;">Binati suno mori</span> in madhalaya jhaptaal, followed by <span style="font-style: italic;">Binati kara</span>t in drut ektaal. Shouvik's was a solid, no-frills performance, bring out the inherent sweetness of Bageshree, and delivering the two binatis (pleas) well, (one to Lord Rama, and the other to a romantic husband), with likewise solid support from Amit and Ameya.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Priyank Desai </span>sang next, performing two beautiful Ramrang (Pt. Ramashreya Jha) compositions - the first <span style="font-style: italic;">Mukuta Vaarun</span> in Kirwani, drut Ektaal, and the second <span style="font-style: italic;">Chanchal Chapala Chapalaasi</span> in Shahana Kanada, in drut teentaal. Accompanying Priyank on tabla and harmonium were the familiar duo of Vikas Yendluri and Shishir Neelakant. Priyank did justice to both compositions, and both ragas, performing them competently and melodiously, aided by likewise competent saath.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shishir Neelakant</span> brought up the finale, with Raga Hemant, singing two Ramrang compositions -<span style="font-style: italic;"> Hamari sudh leeje</span> in Addha Teental, followed by <span style="font-style: italic;">Bairan Bhayo</span> in Drut Ektaal. Accompanying Shishir on tabla and harmonium were Vikas Yendluri and Medha Korwar. Shishir turned in an outstanding performance, keeping the audience spellbound specially with his sargam layakaari, which was like a conducted tour of swara-space in Hemant, on a roller-coaster! It was filled with surprise changes in speed and direction, and lots of excitement with novel taan patterns, and unexpected ways of catching the sam. Medha and Vikas kept up with Shishir in speed and dexterity, to an appreciative audience. Shishir concluded with a Bhairavi bhajan - <span style="font-style: italic;">Khelat Hai Giridhari</span>, beautifully bringing down the curtain on a wonderful evening of music.<br /><br />The next Baithak 20 is the much awaited 4th Anniversary Baithak, for which an interesting program is being worked out, as are date/venue. Look for an email announcement shortly about this, as well as for the website (<a href="http://dheemtana.org/" target="_blank">dheemtana.org</a>) update with pictures/audio/video for Baithak 19.<br /><br />Baithak 21 follows on October 30th, and Baithak 22 on Dec 18th, both in Los Altos Library. If you would like to perform at either, please send in email to <a href="mailto:dheemtanabaithaks@gmail.com" target="_blank">dheemtanabaithaks@gmail.com</a><br />And till then, GO DHEEMTANA!<br /></div> </div> </div></span></td></tr><tr></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>http://www.dheemtana.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941890722410169351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269454961698625497.post-90362619441519210302010-04-12T09:56:00.000-07:002010-04-12T09:58:49.692-07:00Baithak 17 - Short but Sweet Baithak<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#d5e0e6" height="63"><table style="width: 106px; height: 63px;" align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td height="63" width="106"><br /></td><td align="right" width="*"> <br /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="#d5e0e6" height="100%" valign="top" width="100%"><table style="table-layout: fixed;" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="100%" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="70"><br /></td><td style="overflow: hidden; white-space: nowrap;" valign="top"><table style="white-space: normal;" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td height="10"><br /></td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(71, 71, 71);font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#474747;" ><div> <div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-weight: bold; font-family: bookman old style,new york,times,serif;">Summary of Dheemtana Baithak 17: March 27th, 2010</span><br /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: bookman old style,new york,times,serif;">Baithak 17 was short and very sweet - we had performances by three young Hindustani vocalists, </span><br /><span style="font-family: bookman old style,new york,times,serif;">all students of Shri Nachiketa Sharma.</span><br /></div><br /> <div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: bookman old style,new york,times,serif;">Apurva Chakravorty</span> <span style="font-family: bookman old style,new york,times,serif;">started the spring evening with <span style="font-weight: bold;">Raag Brindaavani Saarang</span>, singing the somber <span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: bookman old style,new york,times,serif;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Ghana Gagan Garajata</span> in Madhalaya Jhaptaal, followed by the brisk <span style="font-style: italic;">Jaaun Mein Tope Balihaari</span> </span><br /><span style="font-family: bookman old style,new york,times,serif;">in Drut Teentaal. Apurva delivered melodious alaaps, and high energy sargam taans all with a </span><br /><span style="font-family: bookman old style,new york,times,serif;">pleasing level of confidence and competence, in only her second performance at Dheemtana.</span><br /><span style="font-family: bookman old style,new york,times,serif;">Accompanying Apurva on tabla was Smt. Rama </span><span style="font-family: bookman old style,new york,times,serif;">Garimella</span>,<span style="font-family: bookman old style,new york,times,serif;"> and on harmonium Shishir Neelakant,<br />both veterans of Dheemtana Baithaks. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: bookman old style,new york,times,serif;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Prachi Prasad</span> was next, with <span style="font-weight: bold;">Raag Alhaiya Bilawal</span>. Prachi sang three compositions - <span style="font-style: italic;">Le Teri Lakadi</span> in<br />Madhayalaya Jhaptaal, then <span style="font-style: italic;">Roke Thaado Gail Mori</span> in drut Teental, followed by a sprightly Tarana.<br />Prachi was melodious throughout, and her voice in the taar saptak was specially beautiful, with bell-like clarity.<br />Prachi has grown impressively as a performer, since her maiden performance at Dheemtana, about a year ago.<br />Accompanying Prachi supportively on tabla and harmonium were Smt. Rama Garimella and Medha Korwar.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sarathi Garimella</span> was the third performer, singing <span style="font-weight: bold;">Raag Durga</span>. Sarathi sang the vilambit <span style="font-style: italic;">Sundara Roopa Salone</span><br />in Rupak taal, and <span style="font-style: italic;">Man Mohana Jaa</span> in drut Teentaal. Sarathi navigated the wordy vilambit bandish carefully taal-wise,<br />and did well with alaaps, layakaari and taans. Sarathi closed the evening with a heartfelt Nanak Bhajan - <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Sumiran Karle</span> in raga Gara, set in Bhajani taal. After finishing, Sarathi drew sustained applause when it was<br /> announced that this was his first solo public performance. Accompanying him on tabla was his mother, Smt. Rama,<br />and on harmonium Shishir Neelakant, both able saathis.<br /><br />The heart-warming performances by these youngsters, the festive stage and backdrop, and good snacks and company,<br />all made it a satisfying evening for the encouraging Dheemtana audience.<br /></span><span style="font-family: bookman old style,new york,times,serif;font-size:100%;" ><br />The next Baithak is <span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday, May 1st</span>, 6:15 pm, again in Los Altos Library.<br />See you there! </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: bookman old style,new york,times,serif;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">Call for Performers:<br /><br /></span>We welcome requests for performance slots by <span style="font-style: italic;">all</span> student performers - both adults and children, in all categories -<br />instrumental, vocal, Carnatic, Hindustani, and from all Bay area Indian Classical music schools.<br /><br />We request that you attend at least two Baithaks before your performance Baithak.<br />Here is a <a href="http://dheemtana.org/misc/perf_criteria.html" target="_blank">link</a> to other performer guidelines.<br /><br />The upcoming Baithak 18 on May 1st has a full agenda, there are currently two open spots for Baithak 19 on June 13th.<br />Here is the Baithak calendar for the remainder of 2010:<br /><br />Baithak 18: Saturday, May 1st<br />Baithak 19: Sunday, June 13th<br />Baithak 20: Saturday, July 31st OR Sunday Aug 1st, Home Baithak<br />Baithak 21: Saturday, September 18th - Anniversary Baithak<br />Baithak 22: Saturday, October 30th<br />Baithak 23: Saturday, December 18th<br /><br />Please send in slot requests to <a href="mailto:dheemtanabaithaks@gmail.com" target="_blank">dheemtanabaithaks@gmail.com</a>, or to <a href="mailto:dheemtana@gmail.com" target="_blank">dheemtana@gmail.com</a>.<br />Likewise if you would like to host Baithak 20, the home Baithak this summer.</span><span style="font-family: bookman old style,new york,times,serif;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br />Thank you,<br />Dheemtana Baithaks.<br /></span><br /> </div></div> </div></span></td></tr><tr><td height="10"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></td><td width="70"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr></tr></tbody></table>http://www.dheemtana.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941890722410169351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269454961698625497.post-38913176709957557822010-02-17T14:22:00.000-08:002010-02-17T14:25:37.775-08:00Baithak 16 - Summary<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cbc3b0" height="47"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td width="*"><br /></td><td align="center" height="47" width="298"><img src="https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=ac90be6a39&view=att&th=126c7d10d8931de9&attid=0.1&disp=emb&realattid=0.1.2&zw" width="298" /></td><td width="*"><br /></td></tr> </tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="#cbc3b0" height="100%" valign="top" width="100%"><table style="table-layout: fixed;" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="100%" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td width="40"> <br /></td><td style="white-space: nowrap;" valign="top"><table style="white-space: normal;" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td height="30"><br /></td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-family: times new roman,new york,times,serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(118, 98, 137);font-family:times new roman, new york, times, serif;font-size:100%;color:#766289;" ><div> <div style="font-family: bookman old style,new york,times,serif; font-size: 10pt; color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: bookman old style,new york,times,serif; text-decoration: underline;font-size:130%;" >Summary of Baithak 16: Feb 6, 2010</span><br /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The first Dheemtana Baithak of this year was a vocal one - the three student performers<br />and the invited guest speaker were all Hindustani classical vocalists.<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sucheta Korwar</span>, a student of Shri Nachiketa Sharma, opened the proceedings,<br />appropriately with morning raga Todi. Sucheta sang the traditional <span style="font-style: italic;">Mero man yaad karo</span><br /> in vilambit ek taal, followed by Pt. Ramashreya Jha Ramrang's composition<span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Tanak Hero Hamari Aur</span> in drut teentaal. In this beautiful composition Ramrang asks<br />Goddess Saraswati to bestow on the seeker the gifts of taal, taan, and swara.<br /> Sucheta's rendition brought out the somber beauty of Todi, and she did justice to<br />both compositions with well executed alaaps and layakaari.<br />Accompanying Sucheta on the tabla was Amit Rao, whose lively playing enhanced<br /> the proceedings, as did that of Medha Korwar on the harmonium, who drew a<br />dramatic "kya baat hai!" from her sister.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shri Nachiketa Sharma</span>, the invited lec-dem speaker was next, elaborating on "KaN swar".<br /> Nachiketa explained a KaN swar as an inflexion, or a touch of a neighboring note.<br />This neighboring note may be part of that raga, or could be a foreign note.<br />He demonstrated by singing examples from ragas Bhairav (the komal Dhaivat is made<br />alive at various times with a KaN of either the shuddha Dhaivat, or komal Nishaad),<br />Darbari Kanada(the komal Ga is andolita with a KaN of the shuddha Gandhar),<br /> Shuddha Kalyan, and Yaman. Nachiketa also talked about how "swara"<br />is not synonymous with "note", since in Indian Classical music the concept of "swara"<br />encompasses more - approach, inflexions, tugs, etc.<br /> Nachiketa-ji's easy style of talking, and eloquent vocals went down well with the<br />appreciative Dheemtana audience.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Manasi Aranake</span> was up next, a student of Smt. Archana and Shri Manoj Tamhankar,<br /> and a first time performer at Dheemtana. Manasi sang three compositions in raga<br />Shuddha Sarang - in vilambit ektaal: <span style="font-style: italic;">A bana bana aaya</span>, in madhyalay teentaal: Faiyaz Khan<br />Prempiya's <span style="font-style: italic;">Ab mori baat</span>, and drut:<span style="font-style: italic;"> Prabho Toomhare re Daras ki Aas Lagee</span>, adding on a<br /> Marathi Abhang at the end.<br />Manasi sang like a seasoned performer, with a confident and strong voice,<br />and graceful meends in her alaaps. Giving supportive saath to Manasi<br />were Shri Sudershan Siddhaye on tabla, and Shri Manoj Tamhankar on harmonium.<br /> <br />(The Dheemtana audience then took a short break from the musical feast to do justice to<br />the wonderful snacks and tea.)<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rhucha Joshi </span>closed the<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">evening's musical session with raga Miyan Malhar.<br /> Rhucha, a student of Smt. Shubhangi Sakhalhar, sang the canonical vilambit -<br />Adarang's <span style="font-style: italic;">Karim Naam Tero</span>, and in drut ektaal<span style="font-style: italic;"> Barasan Laagi re</span>.<br />Rhucha's Miyan Malhar was introspective and beautiful as she sang with complete absorption,<br />exhibiting the tonal purity and delicate touches which are the hallmark of her Guru. <br /> Accompanying Rhucha on tabla was Shri Kedar Karmarkar, with Ameya Rao on the harmonium,<br />both giving competent saath.<br /><br />The next Dheemtana Baithak is on <span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday, March 27th</span>, at 6:15 pm, again in Los Altos Library.<br /> See you all there!<br /><br />And till then, Go Dheemtana!!!</span><br /></div></div> </div> </div></span></td></tr><tr><td height="40"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></td><td width="40"> <br /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="#cbc3b0" height="147"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td width="*"><br /></td><td align="center" height="147" width="487"><img src="https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=ac90be6a39&view=att&th=126c7d10d8931de9&attid=0.2&disp=emb&realattid=0.1.1&zw" width="487" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>http://www.dheemtana.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941890722410169351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269454961698625497.post-82626226430067065092009-10-25T09:44:00.000-07:002009-10-25T09:48:09.959-07:00Dheemtana's Third Anniversary Gift - RAMRANG Vol1Dheemtana has successfully completed three years of its musical journey. We had a very colorful and eventful three years with each of the Annual Baithaks being special. This year was no exception with two wonderful performances by Sri. Prasad Bhandarkar and Sri. Nachiketa Sharma. <div><br /></div><div>Prasad, accompanied by Akshay Naresh, who came down specifically for this event, started the evening with a wonderful rendition of Raag Puriya Kalyan, the sombre alaap that he transgressed the audience into a meditative mood. He followed it with yet another beautiful rendition of Raag Durga, apt for the Diwali evening. Prasad ended his part of the evening with Raag Shivaranjani. The tabla of Sri. Ravi Gutala did the talking to provided the fireworks needed to light up the evening.</div> <div><br /></div><div>The mood set by Prasad-Ji was elevated to yet another level for Dheemtanites with the release of their first "RAMRANG - VOL1", a Tribute to the legendary Pt. Ramashreya Jha, by none other than the Thri-Murthies of Bay Area Hindustani circles, Sri. Nachiketa Sharma, Sri. Ravi Gutala, and Sri. Vivek Datar. </div> <div><br /></div> With the release of CD out of the way, Sri. Nachiketa topped off the evening beginning with the very first composition of Ramrang in Raag Hamsadwani "Kal Na Parey", followed it with yet another classic in Raag Chayabihaag. Though Diwali had set in, Nachiketa's next rendition of the Ramrang's Magnum Opus(As put by Nachiketa) was the Raagmaala, an ode to Goddess Saraswathi, taking us back 10 days into Dasara. This masterpiece a amalgam of 23 raags, is beaded such that the name of Raag is intertwined into the lines of song and with each word carefully positioned to deliver a ode the Goddess. Nachiketa's devotion and his passion for Ramrang, is clearly evident when this rendition of the Raagmala is heard. Nachiketa ended the evening, with Dheemtanites anxious for more, with yet another jewel of Ramrang in Raag Bilaskhani Todi, a composition in the praise of Goddess Durga.<br /><br />It would be unfair to just say that Sri. Ravi and Sri. Vivek provided excellent support, They indeed were the part of the whole that made the listening intensely pleasurable. The chemistry between the three artists has to be seen to be believed, when they get onto the stage it seems like it is one person performing. It has been the delight of Dheemtanites and Bay Area to watch the three perform on stage. HATS OFF!!! to trio who make it seem effortless to render such a wonderful yet complicated piece of music on stage. The recordings posted and the CD is a testament to the same.<br /><br />With that note, Dheemtana celebrated its third birthday, of course, with a lavish dinner provided by the Dheemtanites, still swimming in the Raagmala and Bilaskhani Todi. Thanks to all the volunteers the event was a complete success and once again thanks to the Bay Area Gurus specially for being a backbone to the organization and encouraging us to go further, of course none of this would be possible without the active support of Dheemtanites. Three Cheers to Dheemtana!! HIP HIP HURRAY!!<br /><br />The website has been updated with all the recordings, under Events->2009->Baithak 14.<br /><br />The RAMRANG Vol-1 CD is available as of now at the RAAGA MUSIC STORE, 1016, E. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, CA - 94087. Please go ahead and pick a copy of the CD. It is also available to be ordered on the Web for non Bay Area residents.http://www.dheemtana.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941890722410169351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269454961698625497.post-46267415165516225182009-04-05T11:35:00.000-07:002009-04-05T11:42:29.595-07:00Baithak 13 - Season of changeArrival of Spring<br /><br />Change is in the air all around us, Dheemtana definitely is not immune to this. The Baithak 13 heralded this with new artists on the stage, and an amalgamation of raags. The organization of the baithaks become streamlied with some of the activities being handed over to committees. Thanks to Kalyani Prasad for volunteering to handle the food committee which was a little lacking since we moved the venue to Los Altos Library hall. Yesterday's feast at the end of baithak made sure this is changed for good. Dheemtana has been fortunate that Annaji Garimella has de-facto become the Video Committee head, we have been recording all the videos but due to the lack of internet bandwidth we are forced not to put up the videos. We will try to use some of the free streaming sites to add these videos into, and link it to our sites. This a definite change that has to happen.<br /><br />Baithak 13 started with the first of the new artists, Sonia Dubey, she presented Raag Durga. A wonderful rendition, a short but sweet performance. She was accompanied on the harmonium by Rhucha Joshi, who did a fantastic job on the peti, on tabla was Rhucha's brother Rahul Joshi who did a wonderful job on the tabla. Dheemtana would definitely do more with these younsters in the team. Sonia's raagdhari, and presentation skills was worth mentioning.<br /><br />Prachi Prasad, yet another first timer, did a superb job of Raag Tilak Khamod. The "Begi Begi Aaye Hari" was wonderfully rendered, and fitting invitation to spring was her "Koyaliya Bole Ambhuwa". She performed on the stage with ease of a well honed performer, which she definitely is going to be soon. She was accompanied on the tabla by Nikhil Joshi, who Dheematana has seen from Baithak 1, and he definitely is a testament to Dheemtana's motto of perfection through performance. On the harmonium was yet another Dheemtana stalwart Medha Korwar, she is blossoming to be a good harmonium player.<br /><br />Priyank Desai, continued the journey of Baithak 13 with a beautiful rendition of Raag Yaman on bansuri. He stepped in to fill up the slot vacated by Pramod Korwar as he was down with the spring affected flu. Nikhil once again proved that even without any practice he can accompany as well as with practices. His saath for Priyank's flute was simply superb.<br /><br />Shishir Neelakant, followed Priyank with a rendition of Raag Nand. He rendered two traditional bandishes accompanied yet again buy Nikhil on tabla and Medha on harmonium. It seems that the Nikhil-Medha duo are becoming quite a combination to reckon with. Shishir rendered his alaaps, and was highlighted with his layakaris which he improvised very well.<br /><br />Anand Karve did complete justice to the Raag Multani which he played with ease on his 22 Shruthi harmonium. The ease at which he rendered the raag was a treat to watch and hear. Satish Tare-Ji accompanied him on the tabla, words cannot express the delight he gives when you listen to his hands flying across the tabla. Dheemtana is indebted to him for his continued support and encouragement. The pair of Anand and Satish-Ji on stage was a fitting finale for the baithak.<br /><br />Once again the baithak was a complete amalgamation of talent, different raags and moods. All in all the baithak itself was perfect to herald the arrival of spring and the young and young at heart artists ensured that the hearts of the audience springed with joy.<br /><br />The website has been updated, and we will post this commentary on the blog. Dheemtanites are encourage to blog regarding the baithaks and post their comments so we can improve as a team and as individual performers.http://www.dheemtana.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941890722410169351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269454961698625497.post-73428960127444796562009-02-16T13:52:00.000-08:002009-02-16T13:54:04.718-08:00Baithak 12 -- A Journey through the day!!!<div class="Ih2E3d">HAPPY NEW YEAR And May the 2009 bring prosperity and more music to Dheemtanites! ! What better way to start the new year, to spend an evening where you are transported from the early morning to the late evenings in a span of three hours. It speaks volumes to say that all the artists of the evening performed with such finesse and tact that you were left wondering as to what the time of day was...<br /><br />Ameya Rao started off the morning, hmm. the evening with Raag Todi and transformed us to the early morning hours of the day. His beautiful rendition of two bandishes from the Late. Pt. Ramashreya Jha, or Ramrang as we all know him, was not only a great tribute to this master composer, musician who passed away on January 1st, 2009 but also a perfect way to start the first baithak of 2009, with a prayer to Saraswathi Devi, ( Tanak Heyro Hamari Ooar) and finishng off with a wonderful druth bandish. Amit Rao was his usual best playing tabla for his brother and Shishir on harmonium supported Ameya well.<br /><br />Ameya had just managed to put us into the sombre morning mood and Vikas Yendluri, made sure that we did not go back to the early hours with his amazing tabla solo with Chou Taal Ki Sawari. He held the audience spellbound with this dexterous hands wondering what hit them ( or the tabla). His kaydas and chakradaars were a treat to the ears, and Shishir again supported him on lehra with Raag Hamsadwani.<br /><br />It was now the turn of Prithvi Guruprasath, to ensure that the audience still were in the morning, devine mood with a wonderful bhajan on Lord Ganapathi. Even though this bhajan was a raagmala of Hemanth and Bhatiyar , the tempo with which she sang this bhajan prepapred the audience to get set for a more gambhir, serious raag, Raag Mangal Bhairav. She rendered two bandishes in Raag Mangal Bhairav, the druth on Lord Shiva, ensured that both the father and son recieved the salutations of Dheemtana. Vikas and Shishir did not have to get off the stage, but just make way for Prithvi. Both the accompanists did wonderfully well.<br /><br />Prithvi's Mangalbhairav was the last raag for the day that kept us in the wee hours of the morning, it was Priyank Desai's turn to transform us into the right time of the day, i.e. the evening. His bansuri played to the fun and frolic of the evening with Raag Bageshri. The nuances that the bansuri rendered along with the appropriate changes by Vikas on tabla kept the audience glued to the edge of the seats ( sort of since we were squating ). Both the artists not only enjoyed the performance on stage with each other, but gave an unforgetable treat.<br /><br />With the stage set for the evening, Malvika Sriram, a new entrant to Dheemtana making a debut on the stage, ensured that she kept up the musical journey with a medlee of Carnatic raagas and kritis. She was very simply put, AMAZING, for a young artist her age. Her poise and style of presentation did seem like she was a veteran on the stage. She was accompanied on mridagam by Vignesh Venkataraman, again another newcomer to Dheemtana, who Dheemtana could do more with.<br /><br />The conclusion of the baithak seemed like it came too early, with more raags to go to complete the day, but the time had come to end the day. The day itself was memorable with tributes to one of the greatest modern Hindustani Composer and Muscian Pt. Ramashreya Jha and salutations to Saraswathi Devi, Lord Ganesh and Lord Shiva. What a way to start the NEW YEAR!!!<br /><br />Please visit the website for the updates with audio.<br /></div><span style="color:#888888;"><br />--<br />GO DHEEMTANA!!!<br />Website: <a href="http://www.dheemtana.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.dheemtan a.org</a><div class="Ih2E3d"><br />Attend Baithaks, Perform; Attend Baithaks, & Perform Better</div></span>http://www.dheemtana.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941890722410169351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269454961698625497.post-62680899092089141052008-12-18T13:38:00.001-08:002008-12-18T13:38:42.754-08:00Dear Dheemtanites<br /><br />Baithak 11, a truly novel baithak, as Pramod Korwar the MC for the evening said, had 5 participants from 5 different music schools across the California Bay Area, and for the first time Dheemtana went out of the Dheemtanites home to a public venue, Los Altos Library Hall.<br /><br />We started off light showers on the outside and Gayatri Sabne's rendition of Raag Brindavani Saarang. A wonderful start by this budding artist, a student of Smt. Ashwini Khaparde, she started off with a wonderful rendition of the well know Sarawathi Vandana to be followed by the vilambit and druth of Brindavani Saarang. We saw a new artist in Dheemtana with Sri. Rajagopalan Iyer on tabla accompanying Gayatri. Anand Karve on harmonium supported Gayatri ably as usual. <br /><br />She was followed by a fresh singer to Dheemtana, Miss. Manjima Sarkar, a student of Smt. Gopa Raha of Sangeetaanjali Music School. Manjima beautifully rendered Raag Durga with her father Sri. Pradosh Sarkar on tabla.<br /><br />It was Shouvik Neogi's wonderful rendition of Raag Yaman which followed Manjima. Shouvik, a student of Sri. Nachiketa Sharma's Rajguru Sangeet Vidyaniketan exquisitely delivered the madhyalay and druth in Yaman, with the patented fast paced taans and with Amit Rao providing excellent tabla for his great layakaris. Ameya Rao provided harmonium support for Shouvik.<br /><br />He was followed by yet another new artist, Rochit Gupta a student of Smt. Shubangi Sakhalkar. He appropriately sang Raag Miya Malhar, with the rain getting stronger on the outside. The warmth of the rendition made the outside cold weather a non entity. He was accompanied by the Vikas Yendluri, who was spectacular as usual. It is our good fortune that we will not loose Vikas to the usual under-grad college system, since he will be local attending Stanford University starting next year. Shishir Neelakant accompanied them on harmonium.<br /><br />Lo and behold, it was time to wrap the baithak and Pragati Guruprasath a student of Smt. Sangeetha Swaminathan accomplished it with a flourish. Her captivating performance of Raaga Naatai and the Purandaradasa Bhajan in a Raagmala was a perfect finale for the perfect storm that was brewing outside. She was accompanied by Chinmay on mridangam.<br /><br />All in all the baithak was another successful outing of Dheemtana. The web site <a href="http://www.dheemtana.org/" target="_blank">http://www.dheemtana.org</a> has been updated with Baithak11. Please let us know your feedback and ways to improve by sending us a mail.<br /><br />Co-Ordinators<br />Dheemtanahttp://www.dheemtana.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941890722410169351noreply@blogger.com1