Vijayawada: Vocal concerts impress audience

Vijayawada: The 137th birthday celebrations of 'Gayakasarvabhouma' Parupalli Ramakrishnaiah Pantulu commenced on Thursday at Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao Government Music and Dance College. On the inaugural day two vocal concerts of Lanka Tejashwi and CVP Sastry were scheduled.

Lanka Tejashwi started the concert traditionally and followed with 'varnam' in 'Saveri ragam' 'Sri Ganesarpatam' in 'veenavadini ragam',' Guruni Smaripumu' in 'Hamsavinodini ragam' and 'Mayateeta swaroopini' in 'Mayamalava goula ragam'. Tejaswi impressed the audience with her fine and melodious voice. The concert was supported by Kamakshi on violin and Hanumantha Rao on mridangam.

Noted vocalist CVP Sastry began vocal concert with the composition of Thyagarajaswamy "Ninnebhajana" in 'Nata ragam'. Sastry continued with the keerthanas composed by Syama Sastry and Patnam Subrahmanyaiar like 'Sankara Sankara' in 'Saveri ragam', 'Korina varamu' in 'Ramapriya ragam', 'Swararaga Sudha' in 'Sankarabharana ragam'. With rich experience and commend on voice Sastry captured the audience. P Nandakumar assisted the concert with violin and Suresh Babu on mridangam.

Earlier, the festival was inaugurated by Annavarapu Ramaswamy and blessed the artistes. KS Govindarajan, Principal, Music College was also present on the dais. Modumudi Sudhakar organised the programme.