KUWAIT CARNATIC MUSIC FORUM

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Kuwait Carnatic Music Forum organised "Satguru Sri Thyagaraja Aradhana"
“Kuwait Carnatic Music Forum” is an association of music lovers functioning in Kuwait with an objective to promote “Carnatic music” among Indians. It also aims at providing a platform to all students and lovers of music to perform, be it Vocal or Instrumental. At the helm of the organization are three leading musicians of Kuwait - Sri Perunna G. Hari kumar, who is a well known Mridangam Vidhwan and the leading Mridangam teacher in Kuwait, Sri Karunagapalli S Balamurali a versatile Violinist who teaches Violin and Sri Rajesh Thiruvalla, an expert in Carnatic Music who imparts his knowledge to various students here in Kuwait. These masters have committed and devoted their life in performing and promoting South Indian Traditional Music and whose knowledge, skill and passion for Carnatic Music is well known to Kuwait audience. As a befitting recognition to their skills and contribution in promoting Carnatic music, they were bestowed with the much coveted title of “KANCHI KAMAKODI ASTHANA VIDHVAN” in 2012. As in every year, “Kuwait Carnatic Music Forum” offered reverence to Sri THYAGARAJA Swami, one of the forefathers of carnatic music by organizing "Satguru Sri THYAGARAJA Aradhana" on January 31 (Thursday) and February 1st (Friday) 2013 at Indian Community School, Salmiya. The Aradhana started on Thursday at 6.30 PM with a grand Carnatic Vocal Concert by Kumari N. J. Nandini, a disciple of veteran stalwarts Srimati Parasala Ponnammal, Sri Kumarakerala Varma, Dr. S Bhagyalakshmi and Dr. MN Moorthy. She had been awarded the title of “Ragaratnam” in Carnatic Music reality show “Ragaratnam Yuva” in Amritha TV and is the winner of National Level Music competition by AIR in 2009. She was also adjudged as the 1st runner up in the world acclaimed and prestigious Carnatic Music Competition in Vijay TV during 2011. Ms. Nadini was accompanied on Violin by Sri Karunagapally S Balamurali, on Mridangam by Sri Perunna G Harikumar, on Ganchira by Sri Girish Sundaresan, on Ghatom by Sri Vazhapally Anil kumar and on Morsing by Sri Manoj Mavelikara. The audience were treated to an extraordinary and unforgettable musical evening by Ms. Nandini with the whole hearted support of all the accompanying artistes. To add more flavor to the event, "the Best Vocalist of the year", "Best Percussionist of the year" and "Best instrumentalist of the year" titles were awarded to Ms. Nadini, Sri Vazhapally Anilkumar and Sri Manoj Mavelikkara respectively. The next day, which was a Friday, started with a musical fusion composed by Sri Harikumar, Sri Balamurali and Sri Rajesh Thiruvalla and performed by their students. It was indeed a feast to the eyes and ears of the audience. The stage then witnessed some fine performances by upcoming musicians and instrumentalists as well as students of leading Carnatic Music Teachers in Kuwait. The Grand Finale of this wonderful event started at 5 PM on Friday with the rendering of the 'Pancharatna Kritis' or the "Five Gems" of Sri Thyagaraja Swamikal. This wonderful and emotional event was performed by an ensemble of eminent musicians and leading music teachers lead by Kumari N. J. Nandini. Accompaniment on instruments were provided by artistes under the guidance of Sri Perunna Hari kumar and Sri Karunagapally Balamurali. Two days of Musical programs dedicated to Saint Thyagaraja filled with total devotion was brought to a conclusion around 7 PM by performing "Aarathi" and singing MANGALAM as per traditions and custom.