Surabhi – A Melting Pot of Music: An Ensemble of Ragas presentation

Chicago IL: It was perfect – Surabhi – The mystic pot of never-ending fragrant creations, from Indian mythology. Fine ingredients went in – Sweet and spicy Indian, Spanish and Arabic music, A shot of Indian percussion, A generous drizzle of African and Latin drums, exotic flavors of Flamenco , Bharatanatyam and Gypsy dance – What brewed was a flavorful, delightful, joyful recipe that filled the audience heart and soul. For about two hours, the audience sat mesmerized, enjoying the aroma from the melting pot of music.

The Consul General of India in Chicago, Mrs. Tomar graced the occasion. After a preview of the program by WBEZ talk show host Catalina Maria Johnson, the program opened aptly with Vande Mataram, the National song of India rendered by Shanta Ranganathan.

Sara Ranganathan started the orchestra with a breathtaking elaboration of Raag Mayamalavagowlam. With one pluck of the string, Sara sustained the sound of the Veena for over two minutes and in that time, brought out the melody of Mayamalavagowlam in all its glory. The song continued with Chittibabu’s Shivaleela vilasam featuring Bharatanatyam by Vijayalakshmi. She portrayed the story of Ganga and Shiva with fluid grace and fine emotive expressions. When the folk tune started, it was a pleasant surprise to see Wendy Clinard join in Flamenco. The item continued with Solea eaturing afull-length Spanish music with soulful Vocals by Satya Gummuluri and Patricia Ortega. Wendy’s energetic Flamenco had our foot tapping too along with hers. The next musical item was the signature Rhythms Indiana composed by Chittibabu.

Chicago, based on a Moroccan beat, was a lilting addition to the first set of musical items. Carlo Basile showed his expertise with Vibrant Spanish Guitar techniques while Martin Metzger joined with the slides on the Jazz Guitar. Alegrias, another Flamenco composition gave us a happy mood, and magically transported us to Spain!

The second set started with a group song by the students of Ensemble of Ragas along with Vocals and Veenas. Seven veenas lined up, in a theater in downtown Chicago, was a beautiful sight. The kids were nicely dressed in traditional Indian clothes and looked adorable. The concert continued with Aboud Agha playing Oud. It was his first time with the Ensemble and the team had put together a composition in just one day. Aboud’s oud rendition was pleasing to the ears. The 10-beat Arabic rhythm was finely brought out. The music was named “Tiri” which translates in Arabic “to fly”. So, the isis wings with the gypsy dance by Vijayalakshmi was apt and a fantastic addition to this medley.

The highlight of the second set was the percussion special “Taal se Taal Mila”. Ganapathi Ranganathan on the Mridangam, Ravi Iyer on Ghatam, Dhananjay Kunte on Tabla, John Knecht on African drums and Bob Garrett on Latin
drums took the “Tani Avartanam” to the next level. It was ecstatic. The different beats, ‘nadais’ and rhythm cycles were enjoyable.

The concert ended with ‘Reverie’, a fine blend of Indian and Spanish rhythms with solo interchange between Carlo’s
Guitar and Sara’s Veena.

We hope this group keeps the music going in this cultural melting pot that is America.

For more information on Ensemble of Ragas School of Performing Arts, visit www.ensembleofragas.org
www.theguitarsofspain.com

Photographs and Press release by: Asian Media USA

Suresh Bodiwala
Chairman
Asian Media USA
Bus: (847) 679-8583
Fax: (847) 679-5336
Cell: (847)420-4789
[email protected]

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