Well-known as ‘Sangeeta Sisters’ of Carnatic music, Sangeethakala and Rajyalakshmi, are organizing a three-day “Vaggeyakara Vaibhavam Festival” comprising music composers. Sangeethakala says, despite the unprecedented heavy rains and other challenges of organising the festival, as an artiste, she hopes to spread the message of determination and harmony.
“This festival, which would be held at the Sri Lakshmi Venkateshwara temple in Falaknuma, involves live performances of singers singing songs composed by legends such as Tyagaraja, Muttuswamy Deekshitar, Shyama Sastri, Bhakta Ramdas, Annamacharya, Meera and Tulsidas. Given the pandemic situation, we will have a limited audience — about 30 young students will participate in this festival, whom we are teaching Devi avarna kritis,” says Rajyalakshmi.
Dancing to the times
Kathak dancer Mukti Shri has been busy teaching her daughter Anvi and another student Aayushi Dixit, a few stories of Goddess Durga while teaching them Devi shlokas as well.
Singing away the blues
Hindustani classical singer Harini Rao says, “My teacher Swati Phadke has been conducting a ‘Navratri series’ of virtual concerts, in which I performed for two days. I composed a ‘Devi Raga Mala’ in ragas Durga, Kalyani, Saraswati, Ambika and Bhairavi.”
Opening up to new idea
Bharatanatyam dancer Kiranmayee Madupu has decided to start teaching a new batch of students. “Earlier, while we were very sceptical about online engagements, over time, we have realised we need to adapt and move forward. I am attending some webinars on dance and find them educative and informative. It’s easier to connect and interact with artistes worldwide. My goal is to mentor senior students to adapt and guide the new, young students. This will bring continuity in teaching,” says Kiranmayee.
