Sunday Kutcheri in the Park

55 Vidya Mandir Students present Margazhi Kutcheri in the Park

2012-01-08T09:06:00.003+05:30

Sunday Kutcheri in the Park completes six years

Celebrating 6years of Kutcheri in the Park and on the final morning of the 10th Sundaram Finance Mylapore Festival, 55 students from Vidya Mandir, Mylapore presented a Group Mikeless Kutcheri at the jam packed Chess Square of the Nageswara Rao Park on a specially erected centre stage.

This is the largest Group Kutcheri that has taken place at the Nageswara Rao Park, where Sundaram Finance has been organising Sunday Kutcheri in the Park since February 2006.

Guided and directed by Guru Smt. Hari Kripa, the 55students, all aged below 15years, lit up the margazhi morning with their lively presentation that drew in all the morning walkers into the chess square.

Applauded all the way by this huge crowd and accompanied K. Krishna and V. Sreeraman on the Flute, G. Sandhya on the Veena, GS Krishna Sampath, RA Shravan Kumar and B. Nandhan on the Mridangam, G. Gokul Srinath on the Ghatam and KS Vijay Balaji and S. Abhinava on the Violin, these students presented songs such as Sri Vigna Rajam Bhaje (Gambira Nattai), Nagumomu (Abheri), Mudugare yashodha (Kurinji), Azagu Deivam ( Kaavadi Sindhu) and Anbirundal Adhuve Podhume (Sindhu Bairavi) that kept the audience engrossed through the one hour.

Commenting on the concept of mikeless Kutcheri, Guru Smt. Hari Kripa, who has been training several hundreds of these students on music said, “The early morning informal park ambience was very pleasant and conducive for a kutcheri for these young children. The mikeless kutcheri is an interesting and innovative concept and even took some of my students by surprise. Each one of them enjoyed this first ever experience of a mike-less open air kutcheri and I thought that this mikeless kutcheri brought out the natural voices in these students.”

TT Srinivasaraghavan, Managing Director, Sundaram Finance Ltd., said, “This morning is a milestone for the Sundaram Finance Kutcheri in the Park event, as we complete six years. During this period, over 500 children aged below 15 years have presented their first kutcheri here at the Nageswara Rao Park. It is heartening to hear that this concept of mikeless kutcheri has genuinely served as a launch pad for these young children, for many of them have subsequently graduated to present kutcheris in the Sabhas, including the prestigious December Kutcheri season.”

Sundaram Finance has been organising the monthly Sunday Kutcheri in the Park since February 2006 with the aim of providing opportunities to children aged below 15years. No mikes and speakers are used. Sundaram Finance conducts audition to select the artistes.

Sri Kripa Institute of Music students present Mikeless Kutcheri

2012-01-08T08:59:00.003+05:30

On the 3rd morning of the 10th Sundaram Finance Mylapore Festival, 9students from Sri Kripa Institute of Music presented a mikeless Kutcheri at the Nageswara Rao Park.

Accompanied by Tiruvallur Parthasarathy on the Violin and Kumbakonam Ramiyaa Vital on the Mridangam, and guided by their Guru Smt. Vasanthi Gopal, these students impressed the early morning audience with their presentation that included songs such as Sri Maha Ganapathi, Nee Daya Radha, Paramaathmudu, Kandha Vandarul and Kalyana Kolathudan.

TT Srinivasaraghavan, MD, Sundaram Finance Ltd., presented certificates to all the artistes.

Songs of love and compassion from Skanda Guru Vidyalaya Students

2012-01-06T11:28:00.002+05:30

On the 2nd morning of the 10th Sundaram Finance Mylapore Festival, 20students from Skanda Gana Vidyalaya presented over 15songs each of which showed how love, hard work and compassion could bring happiness in this world and how one could live in peace in prosperity with songs such as Anbu Ennum (Maand) and Uzhaippu (Hindolam)

Accompanied by Sriram on the Mridangam and Anish on the Tabela and guided by their Guru Smt. Lakshmi Krishnaswamy, these 20students impressed the early morning audience who tapped into each of their songs.

Bharathiyar’s Odi Vilayaadu Paapa ( Raagamalika) brought an instant smile to the morning walkers who had gathered around the Chess Square of the Nageswara Rao Park and reminded them of their youth.

TT Srinivasaraghavan, MD, Sundaram Finance Ltd., presented certificates to all the artistes.

PS Sec School students kick off Sundaram Finance Mylapore Festival 2012

2012-01-05T12:36:00.006+05:30

The stage was set for a momentous occasion- the launch of the tenth edition of the Sundaram Finance Mylapore Festival. During this period, the festival has expanded and grown bigger both in terms of number of events, locations and the participation, especially from the kids and teens.

This year the festival is back to the first week of January.

On this margazhi morning,25 students from PS Secondary School had gathered around the chess square of the Nageswara Rao Park by 530am along with their parents and teachers including the music Guru Smt. Latha Anantharaman. By this time, the chess square had already been decorated with flowers.

Sharp at 630am, S. Sivakumar, Sr. VP, Sundaram Finance Ltd., lit the Kuthuvilakku to kick off the 2012 edition of the Sundaram Finance Mylapore Festival.

Every morning, during these four days, morning walkers will be welcomed by young teenage groups presenting the mikeless kutcheri.

This morning, 25students from PS Secondary School, Mylapore presented a lively mikeless concert.

Over 150 morning walkers and music connoisseurs sat around the chess square applauding every song presented by these young and budding artistes.

Accompanied by K Sundarrajan and Nishanth TA on the Violin, S Srivatsan and Chandrasekar on the Mridangam and Sruthi Sakthivel on the Kanjeera and directed by their Guru Latha Anantharaman, these students presented songs that included Sri Ranganathan (Aarabi), Yen Mugam Paraiya ( Amritha Varshini), Parvai Ondre Podhumey ( Surutti), Ananda Natamaduvar ( Purvi Kalyani) and Marukelara ( Jayantha Sree).

TT Srinivasaraghavan, MD, Sundaram Finance was present on the occasion and handed over certificates to the performing artistes.

Sundaram Finance has been organising the mikeless concerts at the Nageswara Rao Park as part of the Sundaram Finance Mylapore Festival since January 2004 with the aim of providing opportunities to children aged below 15years. Sundaram Finance conducts audition to select the artistes.

For audition, email: sundaykutcheri@gmail.com

Abhinaya's lively Mikeless Sunday Kutcheri

2011-12-04T10:19:00.007+05:30

As part of the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park organised by Sundaram Finance, 13year old M.A. Abhinaya, a student of Jaigopal Garodia Matriculation Higher Secondary School, presented an hour of lively vocal carnatic music performance this Sunday (4th December) morning from 630am at the Chess Square of the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore. No mikes and speakers were used at the Kutcheri.

Abhinaya, who has been learning music from Thiruvannamalai N Ganapathy Raman and Neyveli N Vimala Nagarajan, was accompanied by Pakkala Jayaprakash on the Violin, and by S. Sivasubramanian, on the Mridangam.

Abhinaya’s presentation included Mangalam Ganapathi’s Vinayakam Siddhi(Mohanam / Adi), Swathi Thirunal’s Deva Deva Kalayaamithe (Mayamalava Gowla/ Roopakam), Thyagaraja’s Enduku Dhayaradhura (Thodi/ Misra Chapu) and Pakkala Nilabadi ( Karaharapriya / Misra Chapu), Muthuswamy Dikshitar’s Chandra Shekaram ( Marga Hindolam / Adi), Papanasam Sivam’s karpagame (Madhyamaavathi / Roopakam) and Arunagirinadar’s thirupugazhtamaru mamaru ( hamir Kalyani / Thisra Adi)

Shri. Mahadevan was present on the occasion and presented certificates to the performing artistes.

Sundaram Finance has been organising the monthly Sunday Kutcheri in the Park since February 2006 with the aim of providing opportunities to children aged below 15years. Sundaram Finance conducts audition to select the artistes.

For registration: sundaykutcheri@gmail.com

Lively Violin Recital at Navarathri Special Kutcheri

2011-10-02T13:28:00.005+05:30

On the final day of the three day Navarathri Special and as part of the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park, 10students, disciples of Carva Rajasekar, presented a lively violin recital that was much appreciated by over 100 music connoisseurs and morning walkers who had gathered around the Chess Square of the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore this morning.

Compositions they presented include Thyagaraja’s Giri Raja Sudha ( Bangala/Adhi), Sara Sara Samarai ( Kunthala Varali/ Adhi) and Thilesi Rama ( Purna Chandrika/ Adhi).and Muthuswamy Dikshithar’s Sakthi Sahitha Ganapathim ( Sankarabharanam/ Adhi).

TT Srinivasaraghavan, MD, Sundaram Finance was present on the occasion and handed over the certificates and mementos to the artistes.

To register for Sunday Kutcheri in the Park, Children aged below 15years can email their profile to : sundaykutcheri@gmail.com

Group Navarathri Special Kutcheri

2011-10-02T11:39:00.001+05:30

15students, all disciples of Padma Chandilyan, presented a Group Carnatic music performance this morning on day 2 of the Navarathri Special Kutcheri organised by Sundaram Finance at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore.

Compositions they presented include Sharanu Benagane (Nalina Kanthi/Misrachapu), Saraswati Namostuthe(Saraswati/ Adi), Kunidhado Krishna(Hamsanandhi /Adi), Himagiri Thaneye (Sudha Dhanyasi /Adi) and Kovil Azaithal (Valachi /Adi).

This is the third year that Sundaram Finance has been organising Navarathri Special Kutcheris. Sundaram Finance also organises Kutcheris on the first Sunday of every month.

Anirudh presents maiden Kutcheri

2011-09-30T11:50:00.004+05:30

In his maiden Kutcheri, 9year old S Anirudh, a class V student of Sri Sankara Senior Secondary School, Adyar, presented a lively carnatic vocal music performance this morning at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore on day 1 of the three day Navarathri Special Mikeless Kutcheri organised by Sundaram Finance.

Anirudh is learning music from Guru Dr. Radha Ramji (Disciple of Sangeetha Kalanidhi Sri T K Govinda Rao).

Accompanied on the Mridangam by K S Sriram (Guru Shri K Rangarajan) and on the Violin by Parur Anantlakshmi (Guru Shri Parur M S Anantharaman), Anirudhi presented songs that included Thyagarajar’s Kaala Harana ( Sudha Saveri, Roopakam) and Brova Bharama ( Bahudhari, Adhi), Neelakanda Sivan’s Entraikku Siva ( Mukhari, Misra Chaapu), Sri Purandara Dasar’s Dayamaadu
(Kalyani, Adhi) and Mangalam Ganapathy’s Navarathri Nayaki( Ranjani Maala, Adhi).

S Sivakumar, VP, Sundaram Finance Ltd., was present on the occasion and handed over certificates and mementos to the artistes.

This is the third year that Sundaram Finance is organising Navarathri Special Kutcheris. Sundaram Finance also organises Kutcheris on the first Sunday of every month.

For audition, email: sundaykutcheri@gmail.com

SriVarshini presents Sunday Kutcheri

2011-09-04T08:59:00.002+05:30

As part of the mikeless Sunday Kutcheri in the park organised by Sundaram Finance, M. Srivarshini, a class 8 student of Sivaswamy Kalalaya presented a vocal carnatic music performance this Sunday (4th September) morning between 630am and 730am at the Chess Square of the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore.

Srivarshini has been learning music for the past 7 years (Guru: Smt. Padma Chandilyan). She was accompanied on the Mridangam by T. Karthik (Guru – Madurai Rangarajan) and on the Violin by T. Kishore (Guru – M.S. Gopalakrishnan).

She presented songs that included Karunai Seivai ( Hamsadwani Ragam, Adi Thalam), Sharavana Bhava (Shanmugpriya, Adi), Adiya Padhathai(Panthuvarali, Adi), Mathapara Sakthi (Ragamalika, Adi), Karunai Deivame (Sindhu Bhairavi,Adi), Vadavarai (Ragamalika, Adi), Kandena Govindha (Hamdanandhi, Adi), Odi Bharaiya (Mohanam, Adi) and Sari Bhandhane (Vasantha, Adi).

TT Srinivasaraghavan, MD, Sundaram Finance was present on the occasion and handed over certificates and mementos.

Sundaram Finance conducts audition to select the budding artistes.

For audition enquiries, email: sundaykutcheri@gmail.com

Varsha presents Mikeless Sunday Kutcheri in the Park

2011-08-10T11:17:00.002+05:30

11 year old V. Varsha, a class VII student of The Hindu Senior Secondary School, Indira Nagar presented a vocal carnatic music performance at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore this Sunday (7th August) morning at 630am, as part of the mikeless Sunday kutcheri in the Park organised by Sundaram Finance.

Varsha has been learning music for the past 7 years and is currently learning from Guru Shri A.S. Murali.

Varsha was accompanies on the Mridangam by Shri.Melattur Lakshmi Narasimhan (Guru – Shri Madurai Seshadhri) and on the Violin by Shri. Y.P. Ganesh (Guru - Shri.Kandadevi Vijayaraghavan)

Varsha presented songs such as Muthuswami Dikshithar’s Gajaananayutham (Chakravagam Ragam Adi Thaalam), Purahara Nandhana (Hamirkalyani, Adi), Shri Kanthimathim (Hemavathi, Adi) and Shri Parvathi(Bhouli, Adi), Bharathiar’s Asai Mugam (Ragamaalika, Adi) and Neelakanta Sivan’s Enraikku Shivakripai (Mukari, Mishrachapu), among others.

Sundaram Finance has been organising the monthly Sunday Kutcheri in the Park since February 2006 with the aim of providing opportunities to children aged below 15years. Sundaram Finance conducts audition to select the artistes.

For audition: email, SundayKutcheri@gmail.com

Amrithakatesh presents Flute recital in the rain

2011-07-03T08:40:00.005+05:30

Heavy rains hit Madras on Saturday night and the probability of the postponement of the Sunday Kutcheri looked high.

But young Flautist N. Amrithakatesh, a class 10 student of PS Senior Secondary School was undeterred by all this. He was present at 545am at the Chess square of the Nageswara Rao Park and was not one to let this opportunity pass. He was all excited to present the mikeless Sunday Kutcheri in the park even if it meant Umbrellas had to be organised by Sundaram Finance to prevent the rain drops.

Encouraged by the music connoiseurs and the morning walkers who had gathered around him, Amrithakatesh, who is a disciple of 'Sangeetha Kalanidhi' Dr. N Ramani and Shri. Sanjeev presented a lively Flute Recital. He was accompanied on the Violin by Shri Papanasam Chandrasekar and on the Mridangam by Chi. Shivshankar.

He presented songs that included Raghuvamsasudha (Kathanakuthulam, Adi), Nagumo (Abheri, Adi), Chinnachiru Kiliye (Ragamalika, Adi/Rupakam) and Bhagayanaya (Chandrajyothi, Adi).

TT Srinivasaraghavan, MD, Sundaram Finance was present on the occasion and handed over certificates and mementos.

Sundaram Finance has been organising the monthly Sunday Kutcheri in the Park since February 2006 with the aim of providing opportunities to children aged below 15years. Sundaram Finance conducts audition to select the artistes.

For audition, email: Sundaykutcheri@gmail.com

Sisters present a lively mikeless Sunday Kutcheri

2011-06-05T08:47:00.005+05:30

As part of the mikeless Sunday Kutcheri organised by Sundaram Finance, Sisters V. Deepika (13years) and V. Nandhika (10years), students of B.S. Mootha Girls senior secondary school presented a vocal carnatic music performance at Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore this Sunday (5th June) morning between 630am and 730am.

Accompanied on the Mridangam by Shyam Sundar (Guru AS Ranaganathan) and on the Violin by Amritaraj, Deepika and Nandhika presented songs such as Muruga muruga (saveri), Ramanai Vittu Naan (mohanam), Parath parath (Vachaspathi), Naan enna thavam ( kamas) and Aparama bhakthi (pantuvarali).

They have been learning music for the last two years from Shri. Neyveli R. Santhanagopalan. Prior to that, they learnt music for five years from Shri P.B. Rangachari.

S. Dhandayuthapani, Head-Sales, Sundaram Direct was present on the occasion and presented certificates and mementos to the artistes.

Sundaram Finance has been organising the monthly Sunday Kutcheri in the Park since February 2006 with the aim of providing opportunities to children aged below 15years. Sundaram Finance conducts audition to select the artistes.

For audition, email, sundaykutcheri@gmail.com

Aarthi presents Mikeless Kutcheri at Nageswara Rao Park

2011-05-03T10:42:00.004+05:30

12 year old Aarthi Ravichandran, a student of PSBB, T. Nagar presented a lively vocal carnatic music performance this Sunday morning (1st May) at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore as part of the mikeless kutcheri organised by Sundaram Finance. No mikes and speakers are used at the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park.

Aarthi has been learning music for the past 8 years from Guru Smt. Padma Chandilyan and earlier from Guru Smt. Meera.

Accompanied on the Violin by Parur M.K. Ananthalakshmi (disciple of Parur Sri. M. S. Anantharaman) and on the Mridangam by Master S. Naveen Srinivas (disciple of Sri P.T. Subramaniam), Aarthi presented songs that included Papanasam Sivan’s Dhayavillaya Dayalo (Karaharapriya ) and Enna Thavam Seithanai (Kapi – Adi Thalam), Purandaradasar’s Kunidhado Krishna (Hamsanandhi –Adi), Narajanma Bandhaga (Madhuvanthi – Adi) and Makutage Mangalam (Madhyamavathi-Adi), Thirupugazh - Andarpathi ( Sindhu Bhairavi) and Thevaram- Vananai Mathi Soodiya ( Keeravani –Misra Chapu)

Sundaram Finance has been organising the monthly Sunday Kutcheri in the Park since February 2006 with the aim of providing opportunities to children aged below 15years. Sundaram Finance conducts audition to select the artistes.

For registration:email sundaykutcheri@gmail.com

Pooja Narayan presents Sunday Kutcheri

2011-04-03T19:17:00.004+05:30

As part of the monthly Sunday Kutcheri in the Park organised by Sundaram Finance, 13 year old Pooja Narayan, a student of DAV, Adambakkam presented a lively mikeless kutcheri at 630am this Sunday (3rd April) morning at the Nageswara Rao park in Mylapore. Pooja is currently learning music from Smt. Rajalakshmi Srinivasan and Shri. KR. Saranathan. She was previously learning music for 8 years from Guru Smt. Vadehi Venkatesan and prior to that from Guru Smt. Vasanthi Gopal.

Accompanied on the Violin by Bhooma Sriram and on the Mridangam by Trivandrum S. Anand Sharma, Pooja presented compositions such as Purandaradasar’s Paradinamisuve ( Hamsadvani - Aadi), Thyagarajar’s Telisirama (Poornachandrika- Aadi), Papanasam Sivam’s Maaramanan (Hindolam- Roopakam), Muthuswamy Dikshidhar’s Kanchadalaya Dakshi (Kamala Manohari - Aadi) and Annamacharya’s Sreeman Narayana (Bhoopalam - Aadi).

Sundaram Finance has been organising the monthly Sunday Kutcheri in the Park since February 2006 with the aim of providing opportunities to children aged below 15years.No mikes and speakers are used at the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park. Sundaram Finance conducts audition to select the artistes.

For registration: email: Sundaykutcheri@gmail.com

Bharat Narayan presents lively sunday kutcheri

2011-03-07T19:11:00.001+05:30

As part of the mikeless monthly Sunday Kutcheri in the Park organized by Sundaram Finance on the first Sunday of every month,12year old Bharat Narayan, a class VI student of Amritha Vidyalaya school presented a vocal carnatic music performance on Sunday (6th March ) morning between 630am and 730am at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore.

Bharat Narayan has been learning music from his mother Guru Dr. Baby Sreeram.

Accompanied by brothers, master. D Swaminathan (Guru - Sri C V Chandrasekharan) on the Violin and by Master D Sivaraman (Guru – Sri T Shyam Sundar) on the Mridangam, Bharat Narayan presented compositions such as Gam Ganapathe( Hamsadhwani - Adi talam), Maa kelara (Ravichandrika – Adi), Parandhamavathy (Dharmavathy – Rupakam), Kripaya Palaya soure (Charukesi - Misra chapu), Raju vedala ( Todi – Rupakam), Krishna Karo ( Sumanasa Ranjani - Eka talam – Bhajan) and Saramaina Javali (Behag – Roopakam).

Sunday Kutcheri in the Park aims at providing a platform for young children under the age of 15 years to display their musical talent in an informal park audience.

For audition, email: sundaykutcheri@gmail.com

sunday kutcheri completes 5years

2011-02-06T17:14:00.004+05:30

Vidhyalakshmi presents lively mikeless kutcheri

On the occasion of the completion of 5years of the mikeless Sunday Kutcheri in the Park organized by Sundaram Finance on the first Sunday of every month, 13year old K S Vidhyalakshmi, a student of DAV Girls Sr. Secondary School Gopalapuram, presented a lively vocal carnatic music performance this Sunday (6th February) morning that was much appreciated by the big early morning audience that had gathered around the chess square of the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore.

Accompanied on the Violin by Prof. Kandadevi S Vijayaraghavan, on the Mridangam by Hanumanthapuram R.J.Buvaragan and on the Kanjira by Papanasam Sethuraman, Vidhyalakshmi’s presentation comprised of compositions such as Papanasam Sivan’s Senthil Aandavan (Karaharapriya), Seerkazhi S.Jeyaraman’s Nee Dhayai Purivaai (Hindolam), Mahakavi Bharathiyar’s Aaasai Mugam (Jonpuri) and Thanjavur Shankara Iyer’s Rama Namamae(Desh).

S. Sivakumar, VP, Sundaram Finance Ltd., was present on the occasion and handed over mementos and certificates to the artistes.

Sundaram Finance has been organizing the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park since February 2006.Over 400 young artistes have performed at the Sunday Kutcheri.

Sunday Kutcheri in the Park aims at providing a platform for young children under the age of 15 years to display their musical talent in an informal park audience.

For registration: email sundaykutcheri@gmail.com

Thematic 'Rama Kothandarama' Kutcheri

2011-01-09T14:44:00.003+05:30

On the final morning of the four day Sundaram Finance Mylapore Festival 2011, 20students of TKG Gurukulam (Guru: Mrs. Radha Ramji) presented a Group Kutcheri based on the theme – ‘Rama Kothanda Rama’. Mikes and Speakers are not used at the Kutcheri in the Park.

Thematic ‘Shakthi and Shivam’ Mikeless Group Kutcheri

2011-01-08T08:48:00.005+05:30

Morning Walkers and Music Connoisseurs gather in big numbers on Saturday morning

The Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore wore a festive look on Saturday morning with over 200people including,morning walkers, gathering around the chess square to watch and appreciate over 20 young artistes (Students of Mrs. Prabha Rajaram), all aged below 15years, present a lively Mikeless Group kutcheri that was based on the theme ‘Shakthi and Shivam’, as part of the 3rd morning events of the Four day annual Sundaram Finance Mylapore Festival 2011.

These young artistes were accompanied on the Harmoniam by Shankar Raman, on the Mridangam by Shivasubramaniam and on the Dolki by Ashwin.

Shakthi and Shivam Composition

Alternating their presentation between Shakthi and Shivam, the young group presented songs such as Kanchadalaya Dakshi ( Kamalamanohari –Aadhi), Mamavasad Janani (Kaanada- Rupakam), Sabapathikku ( Aabhogi- Rupakam), Kapali ( Mohanam- Aadhi) Karpagambike( Bilahari- Rupakam) and Siva Peruman Kripai ( Surutti- Aadhi).

P. Viswanathan, Dy. Secretary & Compliance Officer, Sundaram Finance was present on the occasion and handed over certificates to all the performing artistes.

The aim of the Kutcheri in the Park is to provide a platform for young children under the age of 15 years to display their musical talent in an informal park audience. Mikes and Speakers are not used at the Kutcheri. Sundaram Finance conducts audition to select the artistes.

For audition, email profile to sundaykutcheri@gmail.com

Ganamrutha Music School present mikeless concert

2011-01-07T18:41:00.003+05:30

On a cloudy Friday morning, as part of day 2 of the Sundaram Finance Mylapore Festival 2011, 9students, all aged below 15years, of Ganamrutha Music School (Guru: Mrs. Chitra Madhavan) presented a vocal carnatic music performance at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore. They were accompanied on the Violin by Sai Rakshith and on the Mridangam by S. Giridhar.

They presented songs such as Kaavagajamukha (Hamsadvani- Aadhi), Rajagopalanai
(Bheembalas- Aadhi), Kurai Onrum Illai (Ragamalika) and Ellorum Sugamai
(Madhyamavathi- Aadhi).

Nadaswaram Mangala Isai

2011-01-07T10:41:00.002+05:30

S.Pandian and M. Mohan (Guru B. Raj) of the Tamil Isai Kalloori presented a Nadaswaram Kutcheri to kick off the Sundaram Finance Mylapore Festival 2011 on Thursday morning at the chess square of the Nageswara Rao Park. They were accompanied on the Thavil by R. Jeeva and Venkatesan (Guru K. Manikandan).

This is the first time in over 5years of the mikeless kutcheri at the Nageswara Rao Park that a Nadaswaram Kutcheri has taken place.

TT Srinivasaraghavan, Managing Director, Sundaram Finance Ltd., was present on the occasion and presented certificates and mementos to the artistes.

Jugalbandi performance at Kutcheri in the Park

2010-10-10T10:17:00.004+05:30

The three day Navarathri Special Kutcheri in the Park ended with a Jugalbandi performance by Master Sarvajit Krishna and party.

As part of the Jugalbandi, M. Sarvajit Krishna and S. Subramanyam were on the Mridangam, while S. Srinath played the Ganjira and S. Sasidaran the Ghatam. All four of them are learning music from Guru Sri Madurai K. Thiagarajan.

The instrumentalists played the Adhi Thalam for half an hour and Roopaga Thalam for another 30minutes.

Flute Kutcheri at Nageswara Rao Park

2010-10-09T08:11:00.004+05:30

It was a Kutcheri with a difference on day2 of the three-day Navarathri Special Kutcheri in the Park organized by Sundaram Finance. There was no vocalist this morning. Instead, the morning walkers were drawn to the chess square of the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore by the sweet tunes of 12year old Flautist V. Sreeraman, a class 8 student of Vidya Mandir, Mylapore who presented a captivating flute recital.

Sreeraman was accompanied on the Violin by Thiruvedaimarudur K Ganeshan (Guru - Shri Durai Balasubramaniam) and on the Mridangam by 14 year old Nellai V. Sreekrishnan (Guru - Padmavibushan Umayalpuram Sri K Sivaraman). Sreeraman has been learning music for 5 years from Guru. Sri K V Ramanujam.

Some of the songs Sreeraman presented included Muthuswamy Dikshitar’s Swaminatha Paripalaya (Natai- Adi) and Mamava Pattabhirama ( Manirangu-Misra Chaapu), Thyagaraja’s Anupama Gunambudhi (Atana-Khanda Chaapu), Shyama Sastri’s Sarojadhalanetri(Shankarabharanam-Adi) and Bhadrachala Ramadasar’s Paluke Bangaramayena (Aanandha Bairavi- Adi)

TT Srinivasaraghavan, Managing Director, Sundaram Finance Ltd., was present on the occasion and presented certificates and mementos to the artistes.

The idea behind the Kutcheri in the Park is to provide a platform for young children aged below 15years to display their musical talent. Mikes and Speakers are not used. Sundaram Finance audition committee conducts an audition to select the artistes to perform at the Kutcheri in the Park.

For registration and audition: email sundaykutcheri@gmail.com

Vidya presents Navarathri Kutcheri in the Park

2010-10-08T10:54:00.005+05:30

Day 1 of the second edition of the three day Navarathri Special Kutcheri in the Park kicked off this morning with a pleasing Carnatic music performance by 12 year old R. Vidya, a class 8 student of AVM Rajeswari Mat. Higher Secondary School, at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore.

Thyagaraja's Compositions

Accompanied on the Violin by 11year old Parur M.K.Ananth Lakshmi (Guru - Parur M S Anantha Raman) and on the Mridangam by 15 year old D. Sivaraman (Guru - T Shyam Sundar), Vidya, who took a particular liking for Thyagarajar’s compositions, presented Anubama Guna (Atana Ragam Kanda Chapu Thaalam), Thulasi Thala (Maya malava gowla- Rupakam), Marukelara O raghava (JayanthaShri – Adi), Vasudevayani (Kalyani- Adi), Vandanamu Ragunandana (Sahana- Adi) and Manavyalakin Chara Thate (Nalinakanthi-Adi) among others.

Srinidhi presents versatile performance

2010-09-05T09:37:00.004+05:30

14 year old S. Srinidhi’s choice of songs and versatile presentation came in for much appreciation from the informal park audience at the September edition of the mikeless Sunday Kutcheri in the Park organized by Sundaram Finance at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore this morning.

Accompanied on the Mridangam by B. Venkatramanan (Guru Sri. Guru Raghavendra) and on the Violin by Venkataraman Ganesh (Guru Smt. Hemamalini), Srinidhi presented a wide range of songs that included compositions such as Thyagaraja’s Nenarunchi Naanu ( Maalavi Ragam, Adhi Thaalam), Papanasam Sivam’s Kaapali (Mohanam – Adhi), Periyasami Dooran’s Muruga Muruga (Saveri - Misra chapu) and the Thirupavai verse of Keezhvaanam Vellendru (Dhanyasi- Kanda Chapu).

Srinidhi’s presentation of Bharathiyar’s Bharata Samudayam Vaazhghave (Behag, Adhi) was specially appreciated by the park audience who had gathered in at the Chess Square of the Nageswara Rao Park.

Srinidhi is a student of Vidya Mandir, Mylapore and a disciple of Smt. Prema Hariharan.

C. Muralidharan, GM, Sundaram Finance was present on the occasion and presented certificates and mementos to the artistes.

For registration and audition enquiries, email: sundaykutcheri@gmail.com

Divya presents vocal carnatic music

2010-08-02T14:58:00.007+05:30

An all women Mikeless Sunday Kutcheri

The August edition of the Sundaram Finance Sunday Kutcheri in the Park was an all women Kutcheri. Accompanied on the Mridangam by 11 year old S. Aswini and on the Violin by R. Shraddha(now a Sunday Kutcheri regular), 12 year old R. Divya, a student of Jaigopal Garodia Vivekananda Vidyalaya, Anna Nagar presented a Vocal Carnatic music performance at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore.

Divya has been learning music for the past 7 years from Guru Smt. Subha Jawahar. She is also a budding Violin artist.

Divya’s presentation included Papanasam Sivam’s Sri Ganesha Charanam (Thillang –Ragam, Aadhi Thaalam), Periya Swamy Thuran’s Kaliyuga Varadhan (Brindavan Saranga, Aadhi), Cuddalore Subramaniam’s Janani Janani (Revathi, Aadhi) and Dhandapani Desikar’s Ennai Ne Maravadhe (Amirdhavarsini, Aadhi).

V.K. Raman of Sundaram Business Services presented certificates and mementos to the performing artistes.

The aim of the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park, that takes place on the first sunday of every month between 630am and 730am, is to provide a platform for young children under the age of 15 years to display their musical talent in an informal park audience. Mikes and speakers are not used at the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park. Sundaram Finance conducts audition to select the artistes.

For registration and audition enquiries,email: sundaykutcheri@gmail.com

Sayee Rakshith presents Violin recital

2010-07-04T09:39:00.004+05:30

Moving away from the string of vocal music performances seen over the last few months, the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park organised by Sundaram Finance at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore saw this Sunday morning(4th July 2010) a captivating violin presentation by 11 year old S. Sayee Rakshith, a student of The Hindu Senior Secondary School, Indira Nagar. So impressive was his performance that not a single person in the audience moved through the entire one hour of his presentation.

Sayee Rakshith has been learning music for the last six years and is currently learning from Shri Rajesh

Accompanying Sayee Rakshith on Sunday morning were two teenagers- 13 year old Gomathy Shankar on the Mridangam and 14year old Sainath on the Ghatam.

Sayee Rakshith presented some of the popular compositions including Muthuswami Dikshitar’s Vathapi (Hamsadwani-Aadi), Thyagaraja’s Rama Nannu (Harikambhoji-Rupakam) and Papanasam Sivam’s Enna thavam (Kaapi –Aadi).

TT Srinivasaraghavan, Managing Director, Sundaram Finance Ltd., was present on the occasion and handed mementos and certificates to the artistes.

Sunday Kutcheri in the Park provides a platform for young children under the age of 15 years to display their musical talent in an informal park audience. Mikes and Speakers are not used at the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park. Sundaram Finance conducts audition to select the artistes.

For audition enquiries, email: sundaykutcheri@gmail.com

Dinamalar features Nagpur artistes

2010-06-12T11:25:00.003+05:30

Dinamalar features a photo caption of the 'Cousin Sisters'from Nagpur
performing at the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park on June 6,2010.

From Mumbai for the Sunday Kutcheri

2010-06-07T12:30:00.001+05:30

News Today, the English Evening Daily, writes about Mahathi's trip from Bombay for her Sunday Kutcheri performance in Madras

Dinamalar on Sunday Kutcheri in the Park

2010-06-07T12:28:00.001+05:30

Dinamalar features a piece on Shruti's performance at the Sunday Kutcheri in April 2010

Nagpur Cousins present Sunday Kutcheri in the Park

2010-06-06T08:36:00.007+05:30

Overnight rain in Madras meant the city woke up to a cool and pleasant morning. At the Chess Square of the Nageswara Rao Park, morning walkers and regulars for the Sunday Kutcheri welcomed the Cousins from Nagpur to Sunday Kutcheri.

10 year old Sandhya and 12 year old Aishwarya, who are students of Smt. Ranjani Krishanakumar (Disciple of renowned artiste Smt. D. K. Pattammal), were all excited to present a Kutcheri sans mikes and speakers and in front of an informal park audience.

Accompanied by Master Naveen Srinivas, on the Mridangam, by Miss C. Sardha on the Violin and by Master Chandra Sekar Sharma on Ghatam, Sandhya and Aishwarya started with Purandaradasar’s Sharanu Siddhi Vinayaka ( Hamir Kalyani Ragam) and went on to present Muthuswamy Dikshitar’s Ananda Amrita Varshini (Ragam,Swaram, Neraval), Thyagarajar’s Bantureeti ( Humsanaadam) and Annamachrya’s Bhavayami(Yaman Kalyani), among other compositions.

PS Raghavan, Head, Sundaram Business Services was present on the occasion and presented certificates and mementos to the artistes.

Sunday Kutcheri in the Park provides a platform for young children under the age of 15 years to display their musical talent in an informal park audience. Mikes and Speakers are not used at the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park. Sundaram Finance conducts audition to select the artistes.

For audition enquiries, contact: sundaykutcheri@gmail.com

Mahathi presents a Lively Mikeless Kutcheri

2010-05-02T08:54:00.007+05:30

Sunday Kutcheri concept inspires International School to include carnatic music as an extra curricular activity

Even as Mahathi, the class six student of Avalon Heights International School, Vashi, Navi Mumbai, landed in Madras and began practicing for the upcoming Mikeless Kutcher, the rain Gods showered their blessings on her. The city received unexpected rains on Friday evening and Saturday morning that was a great relief from the sweltering heat that we had experienced over the last one week.

After a couple of rehersel sessions with the accompanists Thiruvedaimarudur K.Ganeshan (Violinist) and Pattu Padmanabhan( Mridangam Vidwan), Mahathi was all set for the big moment on Sunday morning.

Acoompanied by her mother and aunt, Mahathi was all excited as she walked into the the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore at around 6am even as the Chess Quadrangle was being decked up with flower decorations welcoming Mahathi.

A student of Smt. Lakshmi Padmanaban, Mahathi has been Learning music since the age of six. Interestingly, Mahathi is also a Violinist, a Dancer and a Swimmer, in addition to being outstanding in her academics.

Mahathi’s presentation

The mikeless kutcheri proved to be a different kind of experience for the young Mahathi. Not only did she have to present without mikes and speakers, on Sunday morning she also had to counter the challenges posed by the overhead flights (flying over the Nageswara Rao Park) as well as the Nadaswaram at the nearby Kalyana Mandapam.

And she came out with flying colours displaying a great deal of confidence in her presentation in front of this informal park audience who sat around her tapping into her ragas.

Beginning with Manikkavachagar’s Thiruvenba, Mahathi's presentation included Sarasaksha (Panthuvaraali- Adi), Himadri Sute ( Kalyani-Rupagam), Karuna Jaladhe ( Nathanamakriya-Adi), Bhajare Gopalam (Hindolam-Adi) and Govinda Miha ( Bagheshree- Kanda Chappu).

Sunday Kutcheri concept inspires International School

At the conclusion of the Kutcheri, Mrs. Anandhi Venkat Raman, the mother of Mahathi, shared an interesting development that had taken place at Mahathi's International School recently.

“When we shared the Sunday Kutcheri Concept with the head of the International School where Mahathi is studying(Mahathi had wanted a couple of days off to come in early to Madras to prepare ahead of the Sunday Kutcheri), they were truly impressed to hear the kind of opportunities that exist for children. Immediately recognising the importance of Carnatic Music, the school has included this as an integral part of its extra curricular activities, thus providing a platform for children in the school to develop their musical skills.”

V.Kumaraswamy, GM- Sundaram Business Services presented the certificates and mementos to the performing artistes.

Sunday Kutcheri in the Park provides a platform for young children under the age of 15years to display their musical talent in an informal park audience. Mikes and Speakers are not used at the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park.

Sundaram Finance conducts audition to select the artistes.

For audition enquiries, email sundaykutcheri@gmail.com

Ragam, Thaalam, Shruti

2010-04-04T10:08:00.006+05:30

Shruti presents Summer Special Mikeless Kutcheri

A big crowd, comprising of park walkers and Sunday Kutcheri regulars, gathered around 13 year old T. Shruti at the Chess Square of the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore on Sunday morning to watch the class IX student of Modern Senior Sec School, Nanganallur present a mikeless kutcheri, as part of the monthly Sunday Kutcheri in the Park organised by Sundaram Finance.

Shruti, who has been learning music for the past 5 years from Guru Vidwan Anasuya Krishnamurthy, was accompanied by Sumesh Narayanan on the Mridangam and by Shraddha Ravindran on the Violin.

Shruti's presentation
Warming up with Saanitha at 630a.m, Shruti followed up with the composition of Dikshithar (Vallabha Naya- Begada Ragam- Rupakam). Her presentation of Papanasam Sivam’s Karunai Nilavi Kapali (Mohanam, Adi) and Bharatiyar’s Villinai (Kavadi Chindu, Thrisra Ekam) was much appreciated with the audience tapping into her ragams and thaalams.

Ideal Platform for young children
The grand mother of Shruti who sat through the Kutcheri was happy at the opportunity provided by Sundaram Finance to the young musical talent. ‘The mikeless kutcheri is an ideal platform for young children. Singing in front of this big crowd in an informal atmosphere amidst the chirping of birds gives these young artistes a lot of confidence. Through this platform provided by Sundaram Finance, I think the stage fear for these young children will go away. This will help them shed any inhibitions they may have of performing in front of an audience and will encourage them to present more kutcheris.’

C. Muralidharan, Head-Karnataka, Sundaram Finance Ltd., was present on the occasion and presented certificates and mementos to the artistes.

Launched in February 2006, the aim of the Sundaram Finance Sunday Kutcheri in the Park is to provide opportunities to young children aged below 15 years to perform in front of an informal park audience. Over 250 children have presented Kutcheri at the Nageswara Rao Park. No mikes and speakers are used at the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park. Sundaram Finance conducts audition to select the artistes.

For audition enquiries, email sundaykutcheri@gmail.com

Surya presents Mikeless Sunday Kutcheri in the Park

2010-03-07T10:10:00.005+05:30

Upcoming artiste impresses with presentation of Thayagaraja’s and Deekshithar’s compositions

12 year old M. Surya, a class VII student of DAV Public School, Velachery took centre stage at the Chess Square of the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore on Sunday( morning. Surya’s musical talent was in full display with his carnatic music performance keeping the audience captivated through the entire hour of his presentation.

Impressive Performance

Accompanied by N. Veeramani (on the Violin) and by Pattu Padmanaban (on the Mridangam) Surya presented compositions such as Thyagaraja’s Manasa Sanchararey ( Sama Ragam, Aadhi Thaalam), Muthuswami Deekshithar’s Kamatchi (Simmendra Madyamam, Roopakam), Papanasam Sivam’s Jaga Janani (Rathipathi Priya, Aadhi) and Maharajapuram Santhanam’s Sri Chakra Raja( Ragamalika, Aadhi) that drew applause from the early morning park audience.

Surya has been learning music from Smt. Rama Sundari for the past 7 years.

T. V. Gangadharan, AGM, Sundaram Finance Ltd., presented mementos and certificates to the performing artistes.

Launched in February 2006, Sunday Kutcheri in the Park is a monthly event organised by Sundaram Finance on the first Sunday of every month between 630am and 730am and has served as a platform for over 250 children aged below 15 years to display their musical talent in front of an informal park audience. Mikes and Speakers are not used at the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park.

Several children for whom the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park was the first Kutcheri have gone on to greater heights during these four years. There have also been a few overseas children who have participated in this series.

In addition to vocal carnatic music kutcheri, one has also seen solo violin performances, keyboard presentations and Veena recital in the last four years.

Sundaram Finance conducts audition to select the artistes.

For audition enquiries,email sundaykutcheri@gmail.com

Dinamalar Features Anuapama's Sunday Kutcheri

2010-02-13T18:26:00.001+05:30

Dinamalar in its Friday Music Section on 12th February 2010
featured Anupama's performance at the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park

Fine Performance by Anupama at Sunday Kutcheri

2010-02-07T12:25:00.005+05:30

It was a surprisingly rather cloudy morning in Madras. 13 year old Class VIII student of DAV, Anupama from IV Cross Street RA Puram had arrived at 6am ahead of her maiden Mikeless Kutcheri.The regulars at the Sunday Kutcheri were seated on the Chess Stools by 630am.

Not showing any sign of nervousness, Anupama began the kutcheri with Valachivalachi
(Navaragamalika).It was pleasing to listen to the cool and composed teenager render so beautifully some of the popular compositions.

Accompanied on the Violin by J. R. Shraddha and on the Mridangam by Sumesh S Narayanan, Anupama displayed maturity far beyond her age. Her confident performance was much appreciated by the music connoisseurs and early morning park walkers.

Compositions Anupama presented included Thyagarajar’s Sriganapathini (Saurashtram- Aadhi), Deeskhitar’s Sri Parthasarathy (Suddha Dhanyasi- Rupakam), Papanasa Sivam’s Singaravelan (Ananda Bairavi- Aadhi) and Narayanatheerthar’s Reremanasa (Kapi-Aadhi).

TT Srinivasaraghavan, Managing Director, Sundaram Finance Ltd., presented certificates and mementos to the performing artistes.

Organised, since February 2006, on the first Sunday of every month between 630am and 730am, Sundaram Finance Sunday Kutcheri in the Park provides a platform for children aged below 15 years to display their musical talent.

Sundaram Finance audition committee conducts an audition to select the artistes to perform at the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park.

For audition, email sundaykutcheri@gmail.com

Bangalore Student presents Mikeless Concert

2010-02-03T13:34:00.002+05:30

On the final morning of the Sundaram Finance Mylapore Festival 2010 (24th January), 10year old Shreya Shankar, a 5th class student of Sri Kumaran Children’s Home made a train trip from Bangalore for her maiden mikeless concert.

She was accompanied by brothers - D. Swaminathan(on the violin) and D. Sivaraman (on the Mridangam).

Shreya’s presentation of songs included Sri Rama Padama ( Amruta Vahini- Aadhi), Himadrisuthey ( Kalyani-Roopakam), Devarnama ( Sindhu Bairavi- Aadhi) and Kanukantini (Bilahari- Aadhi).

Shreya has been learning music from Smt. Shubha Pradha for the last 7 years.

It was the first time a non Chennai artiste (within India) has performed at the Concert in the Park. In the past, a couple of children from Dubai and US have presented the mikeless Kutcheri.

The idea of these mikeless concerts organised by Sundaram Finance is to provide a platform for young children aged below 15 years to perform in front of an informal Park audience and gain confidence.

For audition, email sundaykutcheri@gmail.com

Ashwini presents Concert in the Park

2010-01-29T22:53:00.002+05:30

On a chilly Saturday morning ( 23rd January) and the 3rd day of the Sundaram Finance Mylapore Festival, Vidya Mandir student R. Ashwini presented a concert accompanied on the Violin by R. Amirthraj and on the Mridangam by B. Venkatramanan.

Ashwini’s current Guru is Smt. Champa Kumar.

PSBB students present Mikeless Concerts

2010-01-28T14:14:00.003+05:30

Students from Nungambakkam Branch

Over the weekend, as part of the Sundaram Finance Mylapore Festival 2010, over a dozen students from PSBB presented Group concerts for an hour in front of a packed audience.

On Saturday evening, it was the students from Nungambakkam, while on Sunday at 6pm it was the students from Tirumalai Pillai Road branch of Padma Seshadri.

TP Road Students

Sankara Vidyashram students present Group Concert

2010-01-26T22:25:00.006+05:30

On Friday(22nd January) evening, under the lights at the Chess square of the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore, 16 students from Sri Sankara Vidyashram, Tiruvanmiyur presented devotional songs in Tamil and Marathi, Bhajans in Sanskrit and the Thevaram and Thiruvenpaavai.

These students were brought together as a Group by their music teacher Mrs. Sumathi.

Nivedita presents concert in the Park

2010-01-26T22:19:00.006+05:30

On Friday(22nd January), the 2nd morning of the Sundaram Finance Mylapore Festival, 14 year old Nivedita Ravi, a class ten student of Sri Sankara Senior sec. School, Adyar presented the mikeless concert in the Park. Nivedita was accompanied on the Violin by Shraddha J and on the Mridangam by Mannargudi V. Shreyas.

Nivedita's presentation included Dikshitar's Parvathi Kumaram(Natakurinji-Rupakam), Thyagarajar's Banturithi (Hamsanadham-Aadhi), Papanasam Sivam's Paadame Thunai (Valaji-Aadhi) and Thanjavur Sankar Iyer's Mahadeva Sivasambho (Revathi- Aadhi).

Nivedita is currently learning music from Smt Vijayalakshmi Subramanium.

Vishwa Vidyalaya Students at Sundaram Finance Mylapore Festival

2010-01-25T22:50:00.004+05:30

Four Years after they launched the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park (in February 2006) with a group performance, the students of Vishwa Vidyalaya Mat. Higher Secondary School, Vandalur, under the able guidance of their Vice Principal Ms. Vasumathi, took one’s memories back to the launch days as they enthralled the audience with a dedicated presentation of 15 devotional songs in Tamil and Hindi under the lights at the Chess Square of the Nageswara Rao Park watched by a big crowd on the first evening of the Sundaram Finance Mylapore Festival 2010.

Mylapore Festival kicks off with Concert in the Park

2010-01-23T13:01:00.009+05:30

Sundaram Finance Mylapore Festival 2010 kicked off on Thursday morning (21st January) with the concert in the park at 630am.

Accompanied on the Violin by Parur M.K. Ananth Lakshmi and on the Mridangam: V.Santhana Gopalakrishnan, three eighth class students S. Shyam Prasad(Vidya Mandi), S. Vijay Ganesh (DAV) and S. Maleshar Sastri (Sivasamy Kalalaya) presented the kutcheri.

All three of them are learning music from Guru Smt. Lakshmi Krishnaswamy

Their presentation of songs included Muthuswami Deekshidhar’s Gajananaytham( Chakravaham- Aadhi), Bharathiyar’s Muruga Muruga ( Bhageshree- Aadhi), Thyagarajar’s Bhajanaseyavey (Kalyani-Roopakam and Madurai Sundarambal’s Aaru Padai Veedu ( Ragamaligai- Aadhi).

TT Srinivasaraghavan, Managing Director, Sundaram Finance Ltd., was present on the occasion and handed over mementos and certificates to the performing artistes.

Sundaram Finance audition committee conducts an audition to select the artistes to perform at the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park.

For audition, email sundaykutcheri@gmail.com

Sruthi Ranjani's Kutcheri marks Four Years of Sunday Kutcheri

2010-01-03T08:40:00.005+05:30

Sruthi Ranjani impresses in the Margazhi edition of the Sunday Kutcheri

It was 545am on this chilly margazhi morning. It was still dark.

The flower decoration at the chess square of the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore welcomed the young M. Sruthi Ranjani, the 14 year old student of The Hindu Senior Secondary School, who arrived with her parents all excited ahead of her first mikeless Kutcheri.

It was also a milestone at the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park series. Sruthi Ranjani’s lively mikeless Kutcheri marked the completion of four years of Sunday Kutcheri in the Park organised by Sundaram Finance.

Over 250 Participants

Launched in the first week of February 2006 with a Group Kutcheri by over 10 Vishwa Vidyalaya Students from Vandalur, Sundaram Finance Sunday Kutcheri in the Park has served as a platform for over 250 children aged below 15 years to display their musical talent. Mikes and Speakers are not used at the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park. Several children for whom the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park was the first Kutcheri have gone on to greater heights during these four years.

There have also been a few overseas children who have participated in this series. In addition to vocal carnatic music kutcheri, one has also seen solo violin performances, keyboard presentations and Veena recital as well in these four years.

Accompanied by G. Karthikeyan on the Violin and T.R.S. Manikandan on the Mridangam, Sruthi Ranjani began with Ramanathapuram Srinivasa Iyengar’s Vanajaakshi( Kalyani-Aadhi).

Sruthi's Presentation

Sruthi Ranjani’s presentation of songs such as Deekshidhar’s MahaGanapathim( Nattai- Eka), Thyagarajar’s Aadda Modi Galade (Chaarukesi –Aadhi), Papanasam Sivam’s Idathu Padam (Kamas-Aadhi) and Chidambara Deekshithar’s Kandavarku (Kunthala Varali - Aadhi) drew much appreciation from early morning audience that had gathered around the Chess Square.

Her presentation of MuthuSwamy Deekshithar’s Venkatachalapathe (Karnataka Kapi- Aadhi ) had the audience tapping in to her music.

Sruthi finished her first mikeless Kutcheri with Purandara Dasa’s Tamboori Meeti Thara (Revathi-Aadhi).

Sruthi Ranjani is learning music from Smt. Vimala Parthasarathy.

TT Srinivasaraghavan, Managing Director, Sundaram Finance Ltd., was present on the occasion and handed over mementos and certificates to the performing artistes.

Sundaram Finance audition committee conducts an audition to select the artistes to perform at the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park.

For audition, email sundaykutcheri@gmail.com

Ravi Narayanan presents a lively Mikeless Sunday Kutcheri

2009-12-06T09:15:00.005+05:30

It is 530am on a chilly Sunday morning in December. The Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore, Madras is already buzzing with activity. It is the first Sunday of the month and we are just an hour away from the start of the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park, an event organised by Sundaram Finance, that provides a platform for young children aged below 15 years to perform in an informal park setting.

By 6am, one could see the OB van of NDTV Hindu parked on the Luz Church Road, with their young reporter making all the arrangements and getting the satellite link with their studio in Perungudi, for the Channel to go live to audiences around the city.

Ravi Narayanan, a class IX student of Hindu Senior Secondary School, Indira Nagar walked in with his parents and the Violin and Mridangam artistes.

By 630am, the Kutcheri regulars had taken their seats on the stools around the Chess Square. And it was time for Ravi to present his first mikeless Kutcheri.The morning walkers too joined in after their walk to listen to the carnatic music performance.

Over the next hour, 14 year old Ravi presented some of popular compositions such as Syama Sastrigal’s Himadri Suthe (Kalyani- Rupakam), Muthuswami Dikshitar’s Hiranmayim (Lalitha-Rupakam), Mysore Vasudevacharya’s Mamavatu (Hindolam-Aadhi) and Papanasam Sivam’s Sri Ganesha (Thilang- Aadhi) that drew a big round of applause from the park audience.

NDTV Hindu features the Kutcheri LIVE

At around 715am, Ravi’s Kutcheri was put on hold for a few tense minutes as the NDTV correspondent introduced the Sunday Kutcheri concept and shortly after Ravi’s debut mikeless Kutcheri went live on NDTV Hindu to audiences across Madras. It was a big moment for Ravi and he handled admirably the pause in the momentum, that he had gathered over the last 45minutes, and recaptured the flow of the Kutcheri as the audience tapped into once again into his ragams.

One could also hear the morning walkers chatting about Ravi’s impressive performance.

Malaysian Visitor

Impressed with the performance of the artiste, Mr. Vasu Subrahmanyam, a resident of Malaysia, who had come to the Nageswara Rao Park to watch this early morning Kutcheri said, “The carnatic music performance of young Ravi Narayanan this morning has made our visit to Chennai all the more memorable. This mikeless Sunday Kutcheri in the Park concept is an excellent platform for budding musical artistes.”

Ravi Narayanan, who is learning music from Sri Thiruvarur S Ganeshan, was accompanied by Ms. Satya Mohan on the Violin and R.Venimadhavan on the Mridangam.

TT Srinivasaraghavan, Managing Director, Sundaram Finance Ltd., was present on the occasion and handed over mementos and certificates to the performing artistes.

Organised since February 2006 on the first Sunday of every month between 630am and 730am, Sundaram Finance Sunday Kutcheri in the Park provides a platform for children aged below 15 years to display their musical talent. Mikes and Speakers are not used at the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park.

Sundaram Finance audition committee conducts an audition to select the artistes to perform at the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park.

January 2010 will see a string of morning and evening Kutcheris as part of the annual Sundaram Finance Mylapore Festival.

For registration and audition, contact: sundaykutcheri@gmail.com

Pavithra Balajee presents a pleasant Mikeless Kutcheri

2009-11-01T11:04:00.005+05:30

In front of a big early morning Park audience, Pavithra Balajee, a student of M.Ct.M Chettiar Chidambaram Matriculation School and the grand daughter of yester year music director Sri D.B. Ramachandran, presented a lively carnatic music performance as part of the monthly Sundaram Finance Sunday Kutcheri in the Park organised at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore this Sunday morning (1st November 2009).

Every song Pavithra presented received a standing ovation from the audience that comprised of morning park walkers and music connoisseurs.

Some of the compositions Pavithra presented were Shakti Ganapathim (Hari Kesha Nallur Muthiah Bhagavathar) – Ragam Nattai, Rupaka Thaalam, Shashivadana ( Sri Thyagarajar) – Chandra Jyothi Ragam, Aathi Thaalam, Papanasam Sivam’s Unnai Allal (Kalyani Ragam, Aathi Thaalam) and Purandaradasar’s Venkatachalanirayam ( Sindhu Bairavi, Aathi Thaalam)

Pavithra was accompanied by R. Ragavendran on the Mridangam and by R. Amirtaraj on the Violin.

At the end of the kutcheri, a visibly happy Music Guru Smt. Sucharithra Raghu, who has been teaching Pavithra for the last one year, said
“It takes several years for young children to be recognised in music. However, this platform provided by Sundaram Finance takes youthful musical talent much closer and faster to the audience. And they get recognised immediately, which leads them to other opportunities. I believe that this launch pad for children will encourage more students to take up music as a career.”

“The mikeless Kutcheri concept for young children is a welcome approach for classical concerts. Mikeless Kutcheris require even more concentration since the artistes have to bring out the nuances of the songs sans mikes and speakers. And this serves as a motivation to prepare that much harder, ahead of the Kutcheri. I am very pleased with the performance of Pavithra this morning and the feedback from the audience is a validation of her excellent performance.”

Organised on the first Sunday of every month between 630am and 730am, Sundaram Finance Sunday Kutcheri in the Park provides a platform for children aged below 15 years to display their musical talent. Mikes and Speakers are not used at the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park. Sundaram Finance audition committee conducts an audition to select the artistes to perform at the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park.

Interested participants can send their profile to : sundaykutcheri@gmail.com

TOI on Kutcheri in the rain

2009-10-05T22:48:00.001+05:30

Times of India features Day 3 of the Navarathri Special Kutcheri in the Park organised by Sundaram Finance

Deepthi Suresh presents a lively Mikeless Kutcheri

2009-10-05T10:36:00.008+05:30

Deepthi Suresh captivates audience with a lively carnatic music performance at Nageswara Rao Park

The chess square in Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore was abuzz with activity by 5am this morning with flower decorations welcoming the young Deepthi Suresh to the mikeless Sunday Kutcheri in the Park organised by Sundaram Finance.

Accompanied by J.R. Shraddha on the Violin and Santhosh Ram on the Mridangam, Deepthi Suresh, a class 10 student at Sankara Vidyashram, Tiruvanmiyur presented a lively one hour carnatic music performance this morning that captivated the morning walkers and music connoisseurs who had gathered around the chess square. It was heartening to note that not a single person in the audience moved during the entire hour of the kutcheri, such was Deepthi's performance.

Deepthi has been learning music from Smt. Padma Sandilyan, a disciple of the renowned musician Late Sri. KV Narayanaswamy.

Songs such as Sadhasivan Maindhaney(Hamsadvani Raagam, Composer Maharajapuram Santhanam), Madhura Madhura ( Attana- Oothukadu Venkatasubiar), Evaramaduguthura ( Kalyani- Thyagarajar) and Nalley Nallanal ( Kapi - Vednayagam Pillai) that Deepthi presented was well received by the audience and drew rapturous applause.

S. Mahadevan, Head- Personnel and Administration, Sundaram Finance handed over certificates and mementos to the performing artistes.

Sundaram Finance has been organising the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park on the first Sunday of every month for the last 3 ½ years.

The idea behind the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park is to provide a platform for young children below 15 years to display their musical talent. Mikes and Speakers are not used at the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park.

Sundaram Finance audition committee conducts an audition to select the artistes to perform at the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park.

Those interested to participate in the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park can email :
sundaykutcheri@gmail.com

Navarathri Kutcheri under the Umbrellas

2009-09-27T10:45:00.006+05:30

Muralikrishna produces a spirited performance in the rain

The early morning pre monsoon rains threatened to disrupt the concluding day of the ‘Navarathri Special’ Kutcheri in the Park organised by Sundaram Finance at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore. It may have dampened the spirit of the weak hearted, but not R. Muralikrishna, a student of St. Michael’s Academy, Adyar who was presenting his first mikeless Kutcheri.

Undeterred by the rains, and with umbrellas all around, Muralikrishna, accompanied by Sriram Sridhar on the violin and Thirucherai Kaushik Rajagopal on the Mridangam produced a spirited performance delighting the morning walkers and music connoisseurs who had gathered around the Chess Quadrangle to enjoy the morning ragas.

His presentation of Sri Ganesh (Thilang- Papanasam Sivam), Kaayamalar (Suththa Thanyasi- Periyazhvar Paasuram), Hanumaney(Malayamaarutham- Arunachala Kavirayar) received a special round of applause from the park audience.

V. Kumaraswamy, GM-Sundaram BPO was present on the occasion and presented certificates and mementos to the artistes.

Mrinalini presents 'Navarathri Special' Kutcheri in the Park

2009-09-26T10:31:00.007+05:30

It was a cool morning following last evening’s downpour in Madras and the early morning walkers at the Nageswara Rao Park were drawn to the sweet ragas of 12 year old B. Mrinalini, a student of The Hindu Sr. Sec. School, Indra Nagar who presented a solo Kutcheri on the 2nd day of the Navarathri Special Kutcheri in the Park organized by Sundaram Finance.

Accompanied by C. Sarada (who is also doing her CA Course) on the violin and B. Venkataraman on the Mridangam, Mrinalini had the audience tapping in, to her songs.

Her rendition of Maha Ganapathim (Naatai), Broba Baaramma( Bahuthaari), Devi Neeye Thunai
(Keeravaani), Muraleedhara Gopala ( Mandu) and Eru Mayil Eru ( Bhaagyashree) came in for special praise.

Mrinalini’s father was pleased with the first mikeless kutcheri of his daughter and assured her of his fullest encouragement. He said that the Kutcheri in the Park was a nice platform for young children like her and gives them a lot of confidence to present kutcheris in the future.

S. Mahadevan, Head- Personnel & Administration, Sundaram Finance Ltd., was present on the occasion and presented certificates and mementos to the performing artistes.

Navarathri Special Kutcheri continues on Sunday morning. R. Muralikrishna, a student of St. Michael’s Academy, Adyar will present the Navarathri Kutcheri accompanied by Sriram Sridhar on the violin and by Thirucherai Kaushik Rajagopal on the Mridangam.

‘Navarathri Special’ Kutcheri in the Park

2009-09-25T09:14:00.007+05:30

Sisters Harini and Aishwarya present their first Mikeless Kutcheri

On the first day of the 3 day ‘Navarathri Special’ Kutcheri in the Park organised by Sundaram Finance, sisters - 12 year old T. Harini & 9 year old T. Aishwarya, both students of DAV Girls School, Gopalapuram presented a lively one hour carnatic vocal music performance this morning at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore. This was the first Kutcheri the two sisters were presenting sans mikes and speakers.

Along side the sisters at the chess quadrangle were S. Sivasubramanian on the Mridangam, R.M. Adithya on the Dolki and by Mannargudi V. Shankarraman on the Harmonium.

Songs the duo presented such as Sri Saraswathi (Aarabhi Raagam), Panchathala (Kamala Manohari raagam), Ramanukku (Intholam), Okapari (Kalavathi), Maamavasadha (Kaanada) and Karpakambike (Bilahari) drew special applause from the early morning park audience who had gathered around the chess square.

On their experience, Harini and Aishwarya said, “ This is our first mikeless Kutcheri and we enjoyed singing in front of the early morning park audience. It was a different kind of experience for us to sing without speakers and mikes.”

Commenting on the performance of her students, Mrs. Prabha Rajaram, the Guru who has been teaching these two sisters for the last 3 years said “ I am quite pleased about the performance of Harini and Aishwarya at their first mikeless kutcheri this morning. The way they presented the songs it did not seem like a mikeless concert. There was absolutely no strain on their voice and in fact the originality was visibly seen.”

S. Sivakumar, Vice President- Operations, Sundaram Finance Ltd., was present on the occasion and presented certificates and mementos to the performing artistes.

Navarathri Special Kutcheri continues on Saturday morning(26th September) with 12 year old B. Mrinalini, a student of The Hindu Senior Secondary school, Indra Nagar presenting the mikeless kutcheri accompanied by C. Sarada on the violin and by B. Venkataraman on the Mridangam.

On Sunday(27th Sept) morning, R. Muralikrishna, a student of St. Michael’s Academy, Adyar will present the Navarathri Kutcheri accompanied by Sriram Sridhar on the violin and by Thirucherai Kaushik Rajagopal on the Mridangam.

The idea behind the Mikeless Kutcheri in the Park is to provide a platform for young children to display their musical talent. Mikes and Speakers are not used at the Kutcheri in the Park.

Sundaram Finance audition committee conducts an audition to select the artistes to perform at the Kutcheri in the Park.

Shravan RP presents Mikeless Sunday Kutcheri

2009-09-07T08:35:00.006+05:30

PSBB student at the Sunday Kutcheri at the Park

Notwithstanding the additional noise of the vehicles on the Eastern side of the Nageswara Rao Park (the outer wall of the park has been knocked down for reconstruction work), 12 year old R.P. Shravan, a class VII student of Padma Seshdri Bala Bhavan, T. Nagar presented a stand out carnatic music performance this Sunday morning (6th September 2009) at the Chess Square of the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore in what was his first ‘mikeless’ kutcheri.

Many of his songs came in for loud applause from the audience as did the performances of the accompanists, R. Shyam on the Violin and Kaushik Rajagopal on the Mridangam, both regulars at the Sunday Kutcheri.

Shravan has been learning music from Kalaimamani Srimushnam Shri. V. Raja Rao for the past 6 years.

Shravan impressed the audience with his rendition of Neelakanda Sivan’s Innamum Irakam(Atana Ragam, Adi Thaalam), Thayagarajar’s Sarasa Sama Dana (Kapi Narayani Ragam, Adi Thaalam), Ongi Ulagalandha-Thiruppavai (Arabhi Ragam, Adi Thaalam) and Sachidananda Swami’s Tripure(Naattai).

TT Srinivasaraghavan, MD, Sundaram Finance handed over certificates and mementos to the performing artistes.

Also present on the occasion was The Hindu Business Line’s Deputy Editor Mr. D. Murali for whom the Nageswara Rao Park has become a regular venue in recent months for his ‘Guest Interviews’.

Sundaram Finance has been organising the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park on the first Sunday of every month for the last 3 ½ years.

The idea behind the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park is to provide a platform for young children below 15 years to display their musical talent. Mikes and Speakers are not used at the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park. Over 250 budding music artistes have presented mikeless kutcheris at the Chess Square of the Nageswara Rao Park, many of whom have gone on to the next stage of their career path(in carnatic music).

Sundaram Finance audition committee conducts an audition to select the artistes to perform at the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park.

Sundaram Finance MD with the performing artistes

Kuwait Student presents Sunday Kutcheri in the Park

2009-08-02T10:25:00.008+05:30

Big crowd and a lively performance mark Akshara’s maiden mikeless Kutcheri

Heavy overnight rain did not deter morning park walkers and music enthusiasts to gather in large numbers around the Chess Square of the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore this morning to watch 13 year old V. Akshara, a student from Kuwait, present her first mikeless Kutcheri.

Last month, another student from Kuwait (Raghavi Vishwanath) had presented her maiden Kutcheri in India at the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park organised by Sundaram Finance. Incidentally, both Raghavi and Akshara study in the same class in Kuwait.

Lively Performance

It was sweet music to the ears as Akshara, who completed her Arangetram at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Chennai last year, unmindful of Television camera in front of her (NDTV Hindu was present on the occasion to cover Akshara's first Kutcheri in India), displayed great confidence and poise presenting some of the popular keerthanais and compositions.

Jegadhanandakaraka (Pancharathna Keerthanai- Naattai), Vathapi Ganapathim ( Hamsadvani), Sobillu (Jeganmohini, Roopakam) and, Sri Valli Deva Senapathey ( Nata Bairavi- Aadhi) drew loud round of applause from the audience.

Akshara even had the audience tapping in to her presentation of Sabaapathikku Veru Deivam and Bhaaro Krishnaiya.

Commenting on the Mikeless Kutcheri concept, Akshara said, “When I heard about the Mikeless Kutcheri concept organised every month by Sundaram Finance in Chennai, I was not too sure about my capability of singing without a mike as it is not easy for every one to perform sans mike. However, my father convinced me to send the CD to Sundaram Finance as part of my audition process and to give it my best shot at this different kind of a kutcheri.”

“The kutcheri this morning turned out to a new experience for me. Though I was initially apprehensive, I actually quite enjoyed the mikeless kutcheri in this very informal setting of the park and in front of this big crowd that had gathered to watch my performance.”

Akshara, who has been learning carnatic music for the last 6 years, was accompanied by Mavelikkara Satheeschandran (Disciple of Sri Krishnapuram Ramakrishnapillai) on the Violin, Peruna Harikumar (Disciple of Changanassery Gopakumar) Mridangam and Manjoor Unnikrishnan (Disciple of Allepey Chandrasekara Nair) on the Ghatam. Akshara’s Guru is Sangeetha Vidwan Smt. Jayanti Siva.

T. T. Srinivasaraghavan, Managing Director, Sundaram Finance Ltd., presented certificates and mementos to the performing artistes.

Organised by Sundaram Finance on the first Sunday of every month, the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park provides a platform for young children below 15 years to display their musical talent. Mikes and Speakers are not used at the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park. Sundaram Finance audition committee conducts an audition to select the artistes to perform at the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park.

For registration and audition, contact: 94440 40748

Lively debut Kutcheri by Kuwait’s Raghavi Vishwanath

2009-07-05T09:59:00.011+05:30

Late on Saturday evening, one wondered if the un-seasonal rains in Chennai would force the organisers to postpone the maiden kutcheri of Raghavi Vishwanath, a class 8 student of Delhi Public School, Kuwait.

Thankfully, and much to the relief of the morning walkers at the Nageswara Rao Park, the rain Gods stayed away on Sunday morning. By 6am, there was a buzz around the Chess quadrangle. There was a neat flower decoration.

Raghavi, along with her Guru, had reached in early for her debut Kutcheri at the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park organised by Sundaram Finance. A few of her relatives had also come in to watch the teenager perform in this open air, mikeless kutcheri.

A cloudy morning, the chirping of birds, a nice breeze and an audience that sat just a few yards away - It was a setting Raghavi had not experienced before. However, she did not seem at all to be over whelmed. In fact, this seemed to bring out the best in her. Raghavi displayed great composure and a cool attitude that speaks volumes about her confidence levels.

630am - Mrs. Malini Vishwanath, Guru of Raghavi welcomed the audience and introduced Raghavi and the songs she was going to present today.

Guru introducing Raghavi
Accompanied by Sriram Sridhar (Disciple of Smt. Padma Shankar) on the Violin and by Sumesh Narayanan (Disciple of Shri. Tiruvarur Bhaktavatsalam) on the Mridangam, Raghavi started with the varnams that seemed to lure the morning walkers, with some of them cuting short their walk to position themselves around the artiste to listen in to the 13 year old present her first ever kutcheri.

Hard Work pays off
The hard work put in by Raghavi and her Guru was clearly visible. Her kutcheri was much appreciated by the audience. Her presentation of Saravana Bhava Ghambeera Natta, a new composition of Kolaigaal Subramanyam received rapturous applause from the morning walkers at Nageswara Rao Park. Some of the other songs presented by Raghavi were Sreeman Narayana (Annamacharya), Bhuvaneshwariya (Mohana-Kalyani), Maru-Balka(Thayagaraja-Sri Ranjani) and ThiruPugazh(Aruna Girinathan).

After her debut kutcheri, Raghavi said, ‘The mikeless kutcheri is very challenging for the artiste. I found out today that it truly tests out the voice quality of the performer and the ability to reach out to the audience. I enjoyed this experience.’

Mrs. Malini Vishwanath, mother and Guru of Raghavi said, ‘It is a good and a challenging platform for young talent. Anyone would be deeply honoured to be part of the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park.’

On the mikeless kutcheri concept, Mrs. Malini said, ‘Every voice has a genetic quality. One cannot go beyond the domain. We had worked, in preparation for this kutcheri, for almost 6 months. I think Raghavi was her natural self this morning and enjoyed presenting the kutcheri in front of the park audience.’

Presence of Guru's Guru
The Sunday Kutcheri in the park also brought back nostalgic memories for Mrs. Malini Vishwanath with the presence at the kutcheri of her first Guru Smt. Kamala Narayanan, from whom she learnt the basics of carnatic music in Ahmedabad.

Fourth Overseas Artiste
Raghavi is the fourth overseas artiste to perform at the mikeless Kutcheri at Nageswara Rao Park. Students from the US and Dubai have earlier presented mikeless Kutcheri at the Park. Co-incidentally, the mother of Arul Priya, who was the first overseas artiste to perform at the Sunday Kutcheri 2 years ago, was also present on the occasion to encourage Raghavi in her maiden performance.

Keeping up Chennai’s tradition
Despite being based out of Kuwait for the last 10 years, Raghavi, with her lively performance, show cased to everyone this morning that distance need not necessarily be a constraint, especially if one had the inclination and the passion to learn carnatic music.

T. T. Srinivasaraghavan, Managing Director, Sundaram Finance Ltd., presented certificates and mementos to the performing artistes.

The Hindu Downtown on Madhumathy's Sunday Kutcheri

2009-07-01T20:22:00.001+05:30

The Hindu writes on the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park presented by Madhumathy
at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore on 7th June 2009

Aishwarya's Sitran Chirugaale captivates audience at Sunday Kutcheri

2009-06-21T14:15:00.004+05:30

Aishwarya , a student of Srimathi Sundaravalli Memorial School, Chromepet presented an hour of brilliant vocal music performance at the 'mikeless' Sundaram Finance Sunday Kutcheri held at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore on Sunday(3rd June 2007) morning.

Aishwarya's beautiful rendition of Kaliyuga Varadhanai Kankanda (Brindaavana Saaranga), Sitran Chirugaale (Tirupaavai), Unmai Ellaal (Kalyani), Karunai Deivamey (Sindhu Bairavi) and Mooladhaara Moorthy (Hamsadvani) captivated the audience at the Nageswara Rao Park.

She was accompanied by Ms. R. Priyamvadaa on the violin and Master Santosh Kumar on the Mridangam.

T.T. Srinivasaraghavan, Managing Director, Sundaram Finance Ltd., was present on the occasion and gave away certificates to the performing artistes.

Highlights of Sunday Kutcheri in the Park

Promotes budding youngsters showcase their musical talent
Open to Children below 15 years
No mikes and speakers are used
Organised on the first Sunday of every month between 6:30am and 7:30am
An audition committee conducts an audition to select the artistes

Musical morning at Nageswara Rao Park, Mylapore

2009-06-21T14:06:00.005+05:30

Vani Vidyalaya, K K Nagar student presents Sunday Kutcheri in the Park

Nature and music lovers had a rapturous and enjoyable musical morning on Sunday (4th June 2006) at the Nageswara Park in Luz, Mylapore.

This time, in addition to the "dawn chorus" with which birds greet the people every new day, they had the sweet Carnatic vocal performance of Master V Shreyas to experience and applaud.

Just after the break of dawn, one could hear a heart rendering vocal performance by a 13-year-old boy. It seemed a perfect setting amidst falling leaves and curious birds, humming around the park. With overnight drizzle, the cool and cloudy early morning weather proved to be an ideal setting for the young boy to showcase his talent in front of 100 plus music connoisseurs.

In the fifth of the ‘Sundaram Finance Sunday Kutcheri in the Park’ series, Shreyas, an eighth standard student of Vani Vidyalaya, K K Nagar, presented an outstanding vocal performance for an hour this morning at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore.

He was accompanied by R Bharathi on the violin and R Sriram on the mridangam. Shreyas is learning vocal music from P P B Srirangachari and Murali Parthasarathy. He is also learning violin from Srinivasamurthy.

T T Srinivasaraghavan, Managing Director, Sundaram Finance Ltd, said, "Master Shreyas’s vocal performance this morning was truly outstanding. Our idea, when we started this Sunday Kutcheri concept in February this year, was intended to promote budding youngsters to showcase their talent and provide opportunities to kids under 15 to perform in an open-air, ‘no mike-no speaker’ environment."

" From the performances we have seen in the last few months and the outstanding response from the community, that can be seen from the large number of music connoisseurs who have gathered here to witness and applaud the young, budding artistes, I think the ‘Sundaram Finance Sunday Kutcheri in the Park’ has kicked off in right earnest."

Sruti and Jayshree Sarathy present mikeless ‘Kutcheri’ in Madras

2009-06-17T14:30:00.002+05:30

First Kutcheri in India for the Calif based sisters

January 2008: California, US based sisters, 13 year old Sruti Sarathy and 11 year old Jayshree Sarathy, presented a carnatic music performance at the Mikeless Kutcheri organized by Sundaram Finance at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore. This was their first ever Kutcheri in India.

Sisters Sruti and Jayshree have been learning Carnatic music, for the last 6 years at the Trinity Center for Music from Smt. Anuradha Sridhar, daughter and disciple of Lalgudi Srimathi Brahmanandam.

Says Mrs. Vatsala Sarathy, the mother of Sruti and Jayshree, "We heard, from our friends in the US, of Sundaram Finance’s Kutcheri in the Park and the platform they were providing for young musical talent in Chennai. I was keen that my kids participate in this prestigious and very different kind of Kutcheri.

We approached Sundaram Finance in November 2007 and sent them music audio files of Sruti and Jayshree via the internet. The audition team at Sundaram Finance was happy with their presentation of songs.”

On their first performance in India, Sruti and Jayashree said, “When we think of Chennai, we only think of kutcheris in the Sabhas. We have never heard of mikeless kutcheris and open air park kutcheris.”

“While we have given several music performances in the US, this is the first time we have performed in India. Also, this is the first time we have sung without mikes and speakers.

This was a different kind of experience for us. The audience was very close to us. Without the mike, we had to put in more effort and I think our voice came out much better.

We were really surprised by the big crowd that was present that early in the morning (630am) and their encouragement really motivated us to perform even better."

T.T. Srinivasaraghavan, Managing Director, Sundaram Finance Ltd., was present on the occasion and presented certificates and mementos to the performing artistes.

Sivaswamy Kalalaya Student performs at the Sunday Kutcheri

2009-06-17T11:06:00.003+05:30

As part of the ‘Sunday Kutcheri in the Park’, G Vishwanath, a class 9 student of Sri Sivaswamy Kalalaya Senior Secondary School presented a vocal music performance, sans mike and speakers, this Sunday morning (7th October 2007) at the Chess Quadrangle of the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore.

Vishwanath was accompanied by R Priyamvadaa on the Violin and by Gohidayan on the Mridangam.

He has been learning carnatic music for 6 years. He is now learning music under Guru – Shri. Delhi Muthukumar, a disciple of TN Seshagopalan.

The idea behind the monthly Sunday Kutcheri in the Park is to provide a launch pad for budding artistes aged below 15 years to showcase their musical talents and to encourage them to perform without inhibition.

For registration, email : sundaykutcheri@gmail.com

Mikeless Kutcheri by Shrihari

2009-06-17T10:54:00.000+05:30

On a pleasant December(2nd December 2007) morning, S Shrihari, a class 7 student at PS Senior Secondary School, Mylapore presented a brilliant vocal music performance in front a big audience at the monthly mikeless ‘Sundaram Finance Sunday Kutcheri in the Park’ at Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore.

Shrihari’s rendition of Vanajakshi, Mahaganapatim, Balla Kanakanya, Ninuvina and Enna Ganura drew special applause from the music connoisseurs and park walkers who had gathered at the park to watch the Sundaram Finance Sunday Kutcheri.

Shrihari has been learning carnatic music since the age of 5 under Guru - Sri S P Ramh. Shrihari was accompanied on the Violin by Ananthlakshmi, a class 4 student at National Public School, Gopalapuram and on the Mridangam by P V Srivathsa, studying in class 10 in PS Senior Sec School, Mylapore.

T. T Srinivasaraghavan, Managing Director, Sundaram Finance Ltd., was present on the occasion and presented certificates to the performing artistes.

The idea behind the monthly Sunday Kutcheri in the Park is to provide a launch pad for budding artistes aged below 15 years to showcase their musical talents and to encourage them to perform without inhibition.

No mikes and speakers are used at the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park.

Sundaram Finance’s audition committee conducts an audition to finalise the artistes

For audition and registration details, email: sundaykutcheri@gmail.com

Sunday Kutcheri in the Park completes one year

2009-06-17T09:04:00.002+05:30

Badrish presents mikeless kutcheri

In the first ‘Sunday Kutcheri’ of 2007, 14 year old S. Badrish of Jain Vidyalaya School, Triplicane presented a lively carnatic music performance for an hour on Sunday (5th February 2007) morning at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore. Badrish was accompanied on the Violin by Shiva Kumar and on the Mridangam by Venkatraman. He has been learning music from Guru Sulochana Sampath, Triplicane.

It was exactly a year ago that Sundaram Finance launched the concept of Sunday Kutcheri in the Park with a group kutcheri by Vandalur Vishwa Vidyalaya students. The speciality of the ‘Sunday Kutcheri in the Park’ is that no mikes or speakers are used and the Kutcheri takes place in an open air environment in the early morning hours amidst the chirping of birds.

The ‘Sunday Kutcheri in the Park’ is intended to promote budding youngsters to showcase their talent and is open to children aged below 15 years.

'Sunday Kutcheri in the Park’ is organised on the first Sunday of every month between 630am and 730am at the Nageswara Rao Park. An audition committee, set up by Sundaram Finance, conducts an audition to finalise the artistes.

Summer of 2007-Mikeless Sunday Kutcheri

2009-06-17T09:02:00.008+05:30

Shruthi presents carnatic Music at Chess Square

Shruthi S. Kumar, a Class VII student of Vidya Mandir, presented an hour of Mikeless Kutcheri at Nageswara Rao Park, Mylapore, on Sunday (6th May 2007) as part of the `Sunday Kutcheri in the park' organized by Sundaram Finance.

Shruthi was accompanied by R. Ram on the Violin, Madurai B. Sundar on the Mridangam and S. Krishna on the Ghatam.

Sunday Kutcheri in the Park is organised on the first Sunday of every month between 630am and 730am. An audition committee set up by Sundaram Finance selects children below 15 years of age to perform as part of the series.

For registration: sundaykutcheri@gmail.com

Muralidhara Guruji Vidyalayam students present Group Kutcheri

2009-06-17T09:00:00.003+05:30

Six Students from Shri Muralidhara Guruji Vidyalayam, Perambur presented a Group Kutcheri on Sunday morning (11th November 2007).M Shwetha Murlidharan, S Aishwarya, P K Ranjith, C Ashwin Parthasarathy, Sri Bhargavi and Vardhini were accompanied by R. Swathi on the Key Board, R.Raghavendran on the Ghatam and Sai Narayanan on the Tabla.

These 6 students have been learning music under Guru Mrs. Uma Murali.

The November 2007 edition of the ‘Sunday Kutcheri in the Park’ organized by Sundaram Finance at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore was postponed by a week (to the 2nd Sunday) because of the monsoon rains on 4th November. This was the first time that the Sunday Kutcheri has had to be postponed because of the rains.

Varsha presents Mikeless Kutcheri at Nageswara Rao Park

2009-06-15T18:26:00.001+05:30

The September 2008 edition of the Sundaram Finance Sunday Kutcheri in the Park saw V. Varsha, a Class 9 student of SBOA Anna Nagar present an hour of carnatic vocal music performance at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore on Sunday ( 8th September 2008) morning between 630am and 730am.

Varsha was accompanied by Priyamvadaa on the Violin and by Kaushik Rajagopal on the Mridangam.

Some of the songs Varsha presented were Namaami(Hamsadvani), Srirama(Naasika Bhooshani), Shivananda(Panthuvaraali) and Paripaalayamaam(Reethi Gowla).

Launched in February 2006, Sundaram Finance Sunday Kutcheri in the Park takes place on the 1st Sunday of every month between 6.30am and 7.30am and is open for children below 15 years. Mikes and Speakers are not used at the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park. Sundaram Finance’s audition committee conducts an audition to finalise the artistes.

The aim of the ‘Sunday Kutcheri in the Park’ is to provide a launch pad for young musical talent.

Those interested in participating in the Sunday Kutcheri can email: sundaykutcheri@gmail.com

Sai Sahana presents a lively mikeless kutcheri

2009-06-13T19:13:00.006+05:30

Monsoon rains stayed away. It was a cool morning. The Sun was just on the way up. One could hear the chirping of birds. The Chess Quadrangle at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore was decorated with flowers by 6am.

By 630am on Sunday (5th October 2008) morning, Sai Sahana, a Class 10 student of Kendriya Vidyalaya Ashok Nagar who had impressed the Sundaram Finance audition committee, was all ready for her first mikeless Kutcheri.

One found that many of the morning walkers had switched off their MP3s and audio players as they tuned their ears to the sweet ragas of Sai Sahana.

Other regulars to the Sunday Kutcheri sat around the Chess Square sipping their morning coffee while listening to Vatapi Ganapathim (Hamsadvani, Aadhi Thaalam), Sharavanabhava (Shanmughapriya, Aadhi) and Yengum Un Aruley (Kalyani, Aadhi Thaalam).

Sai Sahana was accompanied on the Violin by B Sudha and on the Mridangam by Mambalam Shekar. Sai Sahana has been learning carnatic music from Mrs. Lalitha Subramaniam.

TT Srinivasaraghavan, Managing Director, Sundaram Finance presented certificates and mementos to the performing artistes.

Morning Ragas from Suvasini at the Nageswara Rao Park

2009-06-13T17:56:00.007+05:30

As part of the monthly mikeless ‘Sundaram Finance Sunday Kutcheri in the Park’, 15 year old B. Suvasini, a student of SBSM Senior Secondary School, West Mambalam presented an hour of carnatic vocal music performance on Sunday morning (4th May 2008) at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore.

Suvasini was accompanied on the violin by Shyam and on the Mridangam by K.R. Narayen.

Some of the songs Suvasini presented were Kamkanapathey Namo Namo (Hamsadvani- Roopaka Thaalam), Karikalaapa Mukam (Saaveri- Thisra Ekam), Thikku Theriyaatha Kaatil (Raagamaaligai- Aathi Thaalam), Unnai Allaal Verey Gathi Illai Amma (Kalyani- Aathi Thaalam) and Thirupugazh (Shanmugapriya-Misra Saabu).

Flute recital at Sunday Kutcheri

2009-06-13T16:16:00.005+05:30

It was a Sunday Kutcheri with a difference. For a number of people, for whom the mikeless kutcheri had become a regular feature over the last 12months, there was a pleasant surprise in store when they gathered around the Chess Square of the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore at around 615am on the first Sunday of April 2007.

The park walkers too on Sunday morning were drawn towards the chess quadrangle by the sweet tunes emanating from the flute of 10 year old N Visveshwar, a class 6 student of Modern Senior Sec School, Nanganallur, who captivated the audience with a heart rendering flute recital at the Sundaram Finance Sunday Kutcheri in the Park between 6:30am and 7:30am.

Visveshwar was accompanied by N Ram on the violin, R Santosh Kumar on the Mridangam and Shri Sainath on the Ghatam.

Visveshwar has been learning flute from his Guru - Sri S V Ramaraja.

The aim of the ‘Sundaram Finance Sunday Kutcheri in the Park’ is to promote budding youngsters showcase their musical talent. Sundaram Finance Sunday Kutcheri in the Park is open to children aged below 15 years and is organised on the first Sunday of every month between 6:30am and 7:30am.

An audition committee, set up by Sundaram Finance, conducts an audition to finalise the artistes.

An interesting feature of the Sundaram Finance Sunday Kutcheri in the park is that no mikes and speakers are used.

Those interested in participating in the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park can mail sundaykutcheri@gmail.com

The Hindu Online on the Mikeless Kutcheri

2009-06-13T09:35:00.010+05:30

The Hindu Online features an indepth interview with T. T. Srinivasaraghavan, Managing Director, Sundaram Finance on the idea behind the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park organised by the company on the first Sunday of every month at Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore and the reasons for not using mikes and speakers at the Sunday Kutcheri.

The Hindu Online on Sunday Kutcheri

Mikeless Kutcheri - Sree Chitra competes with chirping of birds

2009-06-13T01:17:00.005+05:30

In the ninth of the monthly Sundaram Finance Sunday Kutcheri in the Park', V Sree Chitra, a class-9 student of Jawahar Vidyalaya, Ashok Nagar, enthralled the audience with her sweet voice and korvais of the ragas on Sunday(8th October 2006) morning at the Nageswara Rao Park.

It seemed a perfect setting amidst falling leaves and curious birds, humming around the park. Sree Chitra had to compete with the chirping of birds at that early hour to be heard and yet kept the audience spellbound right till the end. She sang with enthusiasm, ably backed by Prajeeth Kumar's violin and Punish Davay's mridangam.

The open air environment at the park proved to be an ideal setting for the girl to showcase her talent in front of 100-plus music connoisseurs.

Sree Chitra has been learning music from guru Lalitha Subramanian, Rasikapriya School of Music.

Mikeless Kutcheri at Nageswara Rao Park

2009-06-13T00:07:00.003+05:30

As part of the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park organised by Sundaram Finance, 14 year old Darshana Mahadevan, a student of Padma Sarangapani Matriculation Hr. Secondary school, Saligramam captivated the big early morning audience for an hour at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore with a beautiful vocal music performance on Sunday (1st July 2007) morning.

Darshana's songs included Amma Anadha Dhaayani (Gambeera Nattai), Gananathaya Namasthe (Gowla), Sundhara Aara Deham (Panthu Varaali), Thantha Naana((Bowli), Kuzhaloothi(Kamboji) and Nathajana Palini (Nalina Kaandhee).

Darshana has been learning music from Smt. Binni Krishnakumar (disciple of Dr. Balamurali Krishna). She was accompanied by Shri. Ambur Padmanabhan on the Mridangam and Shri. Karthikeyan on the violin.

T.T. Srinivasaraghavan, Managing Director, Sundaram Finance Ltd., was present on the occasion and presented certificates and mementos to the performing artistes.

On the thought process behind the Sunday Kutcheri, Srinivasaraghavan said, "Our idea, when we started the monthly Sunday Kutcheri in February 2006, was to provide a launch pad for budding artistes, under 15 years, to showcase their musical talents."

"The early response to the 'Sundaram Finance Sunday Kutcheri in the Park' has been encouraging, judging by the enquiries we receive every month, from children across Chennai, to perform at the Sunday Kutcheri. Equally gratifying is the growing response from the community and the large number of music connoisseurs, who gather at the park to encourage and applaud the young artistes."

India Today Tamil profiles the Sunday Kutcheri

2009-06-12T23:45:00.002+05:30

India Today Tamil features the Sunday Kutcheri organised by Sundaram Finance on the first Sunday of every month

Bhavna presents carnatic music performance at Sunday Kutcheri in the Park

2009-06-12T23:22:00.003+05:30

V.B. Bhavna, a class nine student of SBOA School Anna Nagar presented a vocal music performance at the Sundaram Finance Sunday Kutcheri in the Park held at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore on Sunday (3rd August 2008) morning between 630am and 730am.

Bhavna was accompanied by Thalaignayar S Harishkumar on the Mridangam and by J Shraddha Ravindran on the Violin.

Some of the songs Bhavna presented were Samana Rahite(Saranga Tarangini Ragam, Roopaka Thaalam), Thulasidhala (Maaya Malava Gowda, Roopaka Thaalam), Thathvam Ariya (Reeti Goulai, Aathi Thaalam)and Chinnan Chiru Kiliye(Raagmaalika).

Bhavna has been learning music under Shri Ajay Namboodiri, disciple of Shri Neyveli Santhanagopalan. She has also been learning Violin for the past 5 years.

Paramesh Krishnaier and S.Sivakumar, Sundaram Finance after presenting certificates and mementos to the performing artistes.

Priyamvadaa presents violin performance at Sunday Kutcheri in the Park

2009-06-12T21:56:00.006+05:30

Chinnan Chiru Kiliye and Theeraatha Vilaiaatu Pillai draw special appreciation

Over 100 morning walkers and music enthusiasts sat around the Chess Quadrangle of the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore on Sunday (1st June 2008) morning to watch R. Priyamvadaa, a student of Sri Sivaswami Kalalaya present an hour of carnatic music on the violin.

Priyamvadaa was accompanied by K. S. Ramana on the Mridangam and Chandra Sekara Sharma on the Ghatam.

Some of the songs Priyamvadaa played on the violin included Gajananayutham (Chakravaham Ragam, Aathi Thaalam), Pantu Rithi Kolu(Hamsanadam, Aathi Thaalam), Sobillu Sapthaswara (Jagan Mohini, Rupaka Thaalam), Sarasa Sama (Aathi Thaalam) Devi Neeye Thunai( Aathi Thaalam) and Jaggath Janani (Aathi Thaalam)

Her presentation of Chinnan Chiru Kiliye(Thisram Thaalam) and Theeraatha Vilaiaatu Pillai (Thisram Thaalam) drew special appreciation from the audience.

Priyamvadaa has been learning Violin from Akkarai Sri S Swaminathan. She is also learning Carnatic vocal music from Dr. Rukmini Ramani and Sri Ashok Ramani.

Priyamvadaa has also been an accompanist at several of Sunday Kutcheris organized by Sundaram Finance.

Twins present 'Sunday Kutcheri in the Park'

2009-06-12T13:37:00.005+05:30

Deeptha and Shwetha respond to 'audience choice' with a confident rendition of Ksheeraabthi
For the first time, twins presented a carnatic music performance at the 'Sundaram Finance Sunday Kutcheri in the Park' on the first Sunday of September 2007.

14 year old twins, Deeptha & Shwetha Vasudevan, enthralled hundreds of Park walkers and music connoisseurs to an hour of melodious Carnatic music at Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore.

The morning walkers were so impressed with the performance of the twins that they even requested the two kids for an 'audience choice' rendition and the twins responded with a sterling performance of Ksheerabthi ( Annamacharyar's Kurunji).

This was the first time the twins were singing without a mike and speaker at any Kutcheri.

The twins, who are studying in National Public School, Gopalapuram, also recite Thiruppavai & Vedanta Desikar Slokas with fluency.

Deeptha and Shwetha were accompanied by CN Srinivasa Murthy on the Violin and by Thirucheri Kaushik Rajagopal on the Mridangam. They have been learning music under Guru - Sangeetha Kala Acharya Smt. Sulochana Pattabhiraman

Their rendition of Jagadananda Kaaraka (one of the Pancharatna Keerthanas), Yehi Mutham Dehi, Sri Ganapathini, Aynkaranai and Maithreem Bhajata was much appreciated by the audience.

First Keyboard performance at Sunday Kutcheri

2009-06-11T22:30:00.004+05:30

The April edition of Sunday Kutcheri saw a key board performance for the first time.

Mahathi Kishore, a 5th Standard student in DAV Girls Senior Secondary School, Gopalapuram, presented a carnatic music performance on the keyboard on Sunday morning (6th April 2008). Mahathi has been learning to play the keyboard for the last 3 years. Her present guru in Carnatic keyboard is Mr. Martin.

She was accompanied on the Ghatam by Sri Ammangudi S Ramanarayan, a disciple of Sri Umayalapuram Sri. K. Sivaraman and on the Mridangam by Sri Madurai D Sundar, a disciple of Sri Umayalapuram Sri. K. Sivaraman.

S. Sivakumar, VP, Sundaram Finance presenting certificate and mementos to Mahitha Kishore.

Musical morning at Nageswara Rao Park

2009-06-11T11:23:00.002+05:30

Ghatam Suresh's troupe perform at the Sunday Kutcheri
Walkers at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore, Madras had an enjoyable musical morning at on Sunday (5th March 2007). This time, in addition to the "dawn chorus" with which birds greet us every new day, they had the sweet carnatic music performance of 15 young children, belonging to Ghatam Suresh's troupe 'Sankruthi', to experience and applaud.

These talented artistes were accompanied by Sri Sankarnarayanan on the flute, Sri Sikkil Balu on the violin, Sri Kalyanaraman on the mridangam, Master Krishna and Master Prashanth on the Ghatam, Sri Muralidharan on the Congo and Sri Satyaraj on the keyboard.

Deccan Chronicle on Sunday Kutcheri

2009-06-11T10:20:00.004+05:30

Senior Journalist, Chitra Mahesh, from the Chennai Chronicle makes an early morning trip to the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore to review the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park.

It turns out to be a rainy morning with the artiste performing in the drizzle.

Anjana and Saagarika at the mikeless Sunday Kutcheri

2009-06-11T09:57:00.003+05:30

The first Sunday of February 2008 saw two 15 year olds, from two different schools, come together to present a vocal carnatic music performance. V. Anjana, studying in P S Senior Sec School, Mylapore and Saagarika Sridhar, studying in The Ashram School, performed at mikeless Sunday Kutcheri organized by Sundaram Finance at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore.

Anjana and Saagarika have been learning music from Guru Prema Rangarajan.

They were accompanied on the Violin by Anupama Shankar and on the Mridangam by Kaushik Rajagopal.

T. T. Srinivasaraghavan, Managing Director, Sundaram Finance Ltd., was present on the occasion and presented certificates and mementos to the performing artistes.

Vidya Mandir Students perform at the Sunday Kutcheri

2009-06-10T19:33:00.019+05:30

15 students from Vidya Mandir, Mylapore presented a vocal music performance on Sunday morning (2nd March 2008) at the monthly mikeless ‘Sundaram Finance Sunday Kutcheri in the Park’ at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore. These 15 children were accompanied by Shyam on the Violin, Shrikrishna & R. Varun on the Mridangam and by S. Krishna on the Ghatam.

Interestingly, these students, who have been learning music individually from different music teachers and have different music styles, were brought together and trained specifically for the Sunday Kutcheri.

Mrs. Harikripa Kannan, Maths Teacher at Vidya Mandir, who brought together these students for this Sunday Kutcheri said, “The early morning park ambience was very pleasant and conducive for a kutcheri. The mikeless kutcheri is an interesting and innovative concept. The children were very surprised when they were told that there would be no mikes and speakers but they enjoyed their first ever experience of a mikeless open air kutcheri.”

You Tube of Vidya Mandir Students at Sunday Kutcheri

TOI on Sunday Kutcheri

2009-06-10T19:03:00.002+05:30

Times of India visits the October 2008 Sunday Kutcheri in the Park at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore

Pammal School Students present Group Kutcheri

2009-06-10T18:54:00.002+05:30

UKG Student part of the Kutcheri

For 20 students from Sri Sankara Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Pammal, Sunday morning (6th July 2008) was a big occasion.

These students started as early as 5am on their 20 km trip from Pammal, on the outskirts South of Madras, to the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore for their first Kutcheri in Chennai. One could see the enthusiasm and excitement in the eyes of these little children as they performed on the big stage for the first time.

The rendition of songs such as Sagala Ganaathipa(Aarabi raagam, Athi Thaalam- Dr. Bala Murali Krishnaa), Sri Valli Deva Senapathipathey (Papanasa Sivan), Sriman Narayana(Bowli Ragam, Athi Thaalam), Venkataasa Nilayam(Sindhu Bairavi Ragam-Athi Thaalam- Purandaradaasa), Kurai Onrum Illai and Maithreem Bajatha had the hundreds of people who had gathered around the Kutcheri chess square at Nageswara Rao Park tapping in synch with the music.

Mrs. Malathy Balakrishnan, Principal, Sankara Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Sec School Pammal, said “The Sunday Kutcheri is a unique concept providing opportunities for young children to present kutcheris in an open air environment, amidst a nice park setting.”

“This is the first time these children have presented a public carnatic music performance. Singing without mikes and speakers was a new experience for them and the performance at the Sunday Kutcheri would have given them the confidence to present more such public performances in the future.”

T. T. Srinivasaraghavan, Managing Director, Sundaram Finance said, “It is heartening to hear that these children put in long hours of hard work practicing as a team, ahead of the Sunday Kutcheri. Our objective is to provide opportunities to young children and the presence of an enthusiastic 5year old UKG student, as part of this music troupe, was particularly pleasing.”

Sri Sankara Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Sec School, Pammal was started in 1983 with an initial strength of 135 students. The school now is a full-fledged Higher Secondary School with 2700 students on its rolls in this Silver Jubilee Year.

Violin performance at the Sunday Kutcheri

2009-06-10T18:23:00.002+05:30

It was a Sunday Kutcheri with a difference. Moving away from the usual carnatic music performance that one has been accustomed to on the first Sunday of every month, the November edition of the Sundaram Finance Sunday Kutcheri at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore saw 12 year old Sriram Sridhar, a 7th class student of Bharathi Vidyalaya, Perumbakkam, present a violin performance on Sunday morning (2nd November 2008).

Sriram has been learning Violin from Smt. Padma Sankar (disciple of Lalgudi Jayaraman). Sriram has also been training in Carnatic Vocal from Smt. Sankari Krishnan.

Sriram was accompanied on the Mridangam by V. Santhanagopalakrishnan and on the Ganjira by S. Balaji.

Some of the songs Sriram presented were Enna Thavam (Aadhi Thaalam, Kapi, P.Sivan), Kurai Onrum (Raagamaalika, Aadhi), Marivarey (Anandha Bairavi, Shyama Sastri) and Shobillu (JaganMohini, Rupakam, Thayagarajar).

In addition to this solo performance, Sriram has also been playing the role of a Violin accompanist in the ongoing Sundaram Finance Sunday Kutcheri in the Park.

Sisters present Sunday Kutcheri in the Park

2009-06-09T20:34:00.003+05:30

6year and 8 year old sisters surprise the Sunday Kutcheri audience with a sparkling performance

Two young little children were the cynosure of all eyes on Sunday (6th August 2006) morning at the Nageswara Rao Park.

Reason - Sisters R. Deepika (eight years) and R. Aparna (six years), studying in the Srimathi Sundaravalli Memorial Higher Secondary School, Chromepet, were presenting a memorable vocal carnatic music performance, as part of the Sundaram Finance Sunday Kutcheri in the Park.

If there was any apprehension, before Sunday morning, about their capability to present a full fledged kutcheri, sans mike and speakers, none existed after 730am for the two little kids stunned a packed park audience with their sweet presentation. Through the one hour, the sisters were full of energy and drew applause after every song.

Almost all the morning park walkers cut short their walk to watch the sisters, enthusiastically and without any inhibitions, present one full hour of carnatic music songs.

They were accompanied by B N Sivakumar on the Violin and by K Ramasubramanian on the Mridangam

Deepika and Aparna have been learning vocal music from Tiruvarur Vaidyanathan

Sunday Kutcheri on You Tube

2009-06-09T20:21:00.002+05:30

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=pitstop4performers&view=videos&query=srinivasaraghavan
Sundaram Finance Managing Director T.T.Srinivasaraghavan talks about the concept of the 'Sunday Kutcheri in the Park' on You Tube

The Hindu on 'Events at the Nageswara Rao Park'

2009-06-09T13:25:00.004+05:30

The Hindu Metro Plus features an extensive piece on the Nageswara Rao Park (maintained by Sundaram Finance)in Mylapore and the Sunday Kutcheri organised there every month by Sundaram Finance.

http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2007/10/10/stories/2007101050030100.htm

Sunday Kutcheri in the rain

2009-06-09T13:16:00.003+05:30

Arul Priya performs under the Umbrella

An unusually cloudy August morning, a slight drizzle and a big crowd of well over 100 carnatic music enthusiasts welcomed the first overseas music artiste at the ‘Sunday Kutcheri in the Park' organized by Sundaram Finance at the Nageswara Rao Park on 5th August 2007.

Braving the drizzle and with an umbrella on top (held by the organizers), 13 year old Arul Priya Manickavasakan from Dubai, accompanied by G. Krithivasan on the Mridangam and by R. Priyamvadaa on the Violin, enthralled the audience to an hour of melodious Carnatic music.

Her rendition of Muthuswami Deekshithar's Mathangi, Thyagarajar's Pandu Reeti, Ambujam Krishna's Enna Solli and Thiruvarur Ramaswamy Pillai's Jagadheeshwari drew rapturous applause from the audience.

Immediately after the Sunday Kutcheri, Arul Priya said, "This was the first time I performed in an open air Park Kutcheri without a mike and speaker. I really enjoyed this unique experience. I had to put in a lot more effort at this 'mikeless' Kutcheri. I was really surprised by the big crowd that was present and their encouragement really motivated me to perform even better."

The Sunday morning rain made good footage for the TV cameras with NDTV featuring Arul Priya’s Sunday Kutcheri on their national network.

Chennai Times on Sunday Kutcheri in the Park

2009-06-09T11:36:00.002+05:30

A Feature in Chennai Times on city parks turning as cultural hubs.

Times of India on Sunday Kutcheri

2009-06-09T11:31:00.003+05:30

TOI, Madras features a piece on the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park
and recommends the Chess Square of the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore
as the place to be in on the first Sunday of every month

December Sunday Kutcheri in the Park

2009-06-09T11:05:00.001+05:30

Morning walkers stay back to listen to Sharmiley

Winter was setting in. The early morning breeze was turning chilly. Thankfully, the monsoon rains stayed away from the December edition of the Sundaram Finance Sunday Kutcheri in the Park.

Amidst the chirping birds and the buzz of the early morning walkers at the park, R. Sharmiley, a student of NSN Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Chromepet presented an hour of lively carnatic music performance at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore on Sunday morning (7th December 2008).

Sharmiley was accompanied by N Ram on the Violin and by Santhosh Kumar on the Mridangam.

Beginning sharp at 630am, Sharmiley presented with flair popular songs such as Vathapi Ganapathi (Hamsadvini), Kurai Onrum Illai (Raagamaaliga), Sive Pahimam (Kalyani), and Prasanna Vadhani (Brindavani). Many in the park stayed back after their walk to listen to the sweet music by this young artiste.

Park audience cheer Madhumathy’s ‘Theeratha Vilayatu Pillai’

2009-06-08T20:14:00.006+05:30

15 year old C. Madhumathy, a student of Sri Sankara Vidhyashram, Tiruvanmiyur presented a pleasing carnatic music performance at the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park organised by Sundaram Finance at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore, Madras on Sunday morning (7th June).

Madhumathy, who also plays the keyboard, was accompanied by Master S Sriram on the Violin and Master Guhesh Swaminathan on the Mridangam.

Madhumathy’s rendition of Theeratha Vilayattu Pillai (Ragamalika) was much appreciated by the morning park walkers. Some of the other songs she presented included Shambho Mahadeva (Panthyvarali), Neethu Charana (Kalyani) and Devi Neeye Thunai (Keeravani).

Madhumathy’s present guru is Smt. Gayathri Mahesh (disciple of OS Thyagarajan).

T.T.Srinivasaraghavan,Managing Director, Sundaram Finance presented certificates and mementos to the performing artistes.

Packed audience watch Abhishek Krishna at Sunday Kutcheri

2009-06-08T19:48:00.005+05:30

Lively Mikeless Kutcheri from 11 year old KFI student

The summer edition of the Sundaram Finance Sunday Kutcheri in the Park saw 11 year old Abhishek Krishna, a student of ‘The School’, KFI, Besant Nagar, present a lively carnatic music performance in front of a packed audience at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore on 3rd May.

Accompanied by Shri. S.K.Sadagopan on the Violin and by Shri. Muralinathan on the Mridangam, Abhishek presented songs such as Rama Bhadra (Ananda Bairavi Ragam, Aathi Thalam), Ongi Ulagalantha (Arathi, Aathi Thalam), Arula Vendum Thaaye (Saramathi, Roopakam), Maithrem Bhathathey (Ragamalika, Aathi Thalam) and Eru Mayil Eri (Bhageshri Ragam) drawing a loud round of applause.

Abhishek Krishna has been learning carnatic music for the last 7 years. His present guru is Sri Srikanth Koudinya (a student of Sri Neyveli Santhanagopalan).

Aadithya Murali debuts at ‘Sunday Kutcheri in the Park’

2009-06-08T19:17:00.004+05:30

Audience crowd around the Teenager in his maiden carnatic music performance

Amidst falling leaves and chirping birds, 14 year old Aadithya Murali, a student of National Public School, Gopalapuram presented his maiden carnatic music performance in front of a big gathering of morning walkers at the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park organised by Sundaram Finance at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore on Sunday (5th April 2009).

In this informal Park setting,which is a feature of the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park, Aadithya Murali found several in the audience(young children to the paatis) sittingt right in front of him, at the Chess Square, just a few feet away.

Accompanying the teenage vocalist in his debut Kutcheri were Master R. Shyam on the Violin and Master Varun Ramaswamy on the Mridangam, both students of Vidya Mandir.

Aadithya has been learning Carnatic music for the past 8 years. His current guru is Sri V Subramanian.

Some of the songs Aadithya presented were Sri Parvati (Bowli), Brochi (Sri Ranjani), Brihadeshwarya (Sankarabaranam), Deva Deva (Maya Malava Gowla), Krishnam Vandey (Yaman Kalyani) and Rama Nanu ( Hari Kambhoji).

Mehalochani presents Sunday Kutcheri at Nageswara Rao Park

2009-06-08T19:03:00.004+05:30

First Sunday of March 2009 saw 10 year old G.S. Mehalochani, a class V student of SRDF Vivekananda Vidyalaya, Chrompet present a vocal carnatic music performance at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore, Madras.

This was part of the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park organised by Sundaram Finance on the first Sunday of every month between 630am and 730am.Mikes and Speakers are not used at the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park.

Morning walkers at the Nageswara Rao Park gathered around the Chess Square to appreciate the young musical talent.

Mehalochani was accompanied by Kumbakonam R Selva Prasad on the Violin and S Hariharan on the Mridangam.

Mehalochani has been learning music under Guru Sangeetha Vidwan Smt. Bagya Lakshmi.

Sundaram Finance conducts audition to select the artistes.

Sundaram Finance MD Mr. T. T. Srinivasaraghavan presenting certificate to Mehalochani

Brother-Sister duo present Sunday Kutcheri

2009-06-08T18:56:00.004+05:30

Sundaram Finance Sunday Kutcheri in the Park Completes 3 years

For the first time at the Sundaram Finance ‘Sunday Kutcheri in the Park’, a sister and brother combined together to present an hour of mikeless carnatic music performance at the Chess Square of the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore on 1st February 2009.

13 year old K Balakrishnan & 10 year old Srividhya Kannan, students of Jawahar Vidyalaya, Ashok Nagar, have been learning carnatic music under Guru Kalakkad Sitalakshmi. They were accompanied by Sowmayasree Chandramouli on the Violin and Thirucherai Kaushik Rajagopal on the Mridangam.

Their presentation of Po Shambho, Giridhara Gopala and Vasudey Vasudam Devam drew special applause from the big early morning audience that had gathered at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore.

Sundaram Finance Sunday Kutcheri in the Park was launched in February 2006 with the aim of providing a launch pad for young musical talent aged below 15years.

California Student presents Sunday Kutcheri

2009-06-08T18:39:00.001+05:30

In the margazhi edition of ‘Sundaram Finance Sunday Kutcheri in the Park’ and the first of 2009, 14year old Parthiv Mohan, a 9th class student from California presented a vocal carnatic music performance at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore, Madras on 4th January 2009.

Parthiv Mohan was accompanied by Ananthasree on the Violin and by Thirucheri Kaushik Rajagopal on the Mridangam.

A student of Anuradha Sridhar (daughter of Lalgudi Srimathi Brahmanandam), Parthiv has been learning carnatic vocal for the past 6 years. He has also been learning the violin.

Parthiv is third artiste from the US to perform at the Sundaram Finance Kutcheri in the Park. Earlier, sisters Sruthi and Jayashree Sarathy from the US had presented the mikeless Kutcheri in January 2008 (exactly one year ago).

The Sunday Kutcheri in the Park takes place on the 1st Sunday of every month between 6.30am and 7.30am and is open for children below 15 years. Mikes and Speakers are not used. Sundaram Finance conducts an audition to finalise the artistes.

Rediff.com features Sunday Kutcheri in the Park

2009-06-08T18:06:00.001+05:30

Rediff.com's Feature Editor Shobha Warrier features a special Slide Show on Sundaram Finance Sunday Kutcheri in the Park

http://www.rediff.com/news/2007/sep/11slide6.htm

Sunday Kutcheri Feature Story in Business Line- Life

2009-06-08T17:58:00.004+05:30

Below is an online link to a feature story written by Business Line's Deputy Editor Mr. D. Murali on the Sundaram Finance Sunday Kutcheri in the Park

http://www.blonnet.com/life/2008/08/29/stories/2008082950090300.htm

CarnaticDarbar.com interview on Sunday Kutcheri in the Park

2009-06-08T17:31:00.004+05:30

Exclusive Online carnatic music site CarnaticDarbar.com featured a Q&A interview with T. T. Srinivasaraghavan, Managing Director, Sundaram Finance Ltd., on the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park.

In this interview to Mr. K.T. Jagannathan of Carnaticdarbar.com, T.T. Srinivasaraghavan shares his thoughts on the concept of Sunday Kutcheri in the park, its impact and influence.

http://www.carnaticdarbar.com/interviews_tts.htm

Sunday Kutcheri in the Park Launch- February 2006

2009-06-07T10:35:00.001+05:30

Vandulur Vishwa Vidyalaya Students launch Sundaram Finance Sunday Kutcheri in the Park with a Group Kutcheri

Sundaram Finance Sunday Kutcheri in the Park kicked off on 5th February 2006 with a Group Kutcheri presented by 8 students belonging to Vandalur Vishwa Vidyalaya School.

All these students started at around 5am on Sunday morning from Vandalur to reach the chess square at the Nageswara Rao Park by 6am, a good half hour before the scheduled time of the Sunday Kutcheri. The students were all very excited to present a Kutcheri sans mike and speakers and in front a big audience, many of whom were sitting within yards of the performing artistes.

Most of the children from Vishwa Vidyalaya in Vandalur who came to sing at the first Sunday Kutcheri in the Park were children of labourers, none of whom had ever had the benefit of a school education.

This school, run by two ladies, has had an excellent track record growing from about 50 students to well over 800 students. An integral part of the curriculum is the music education. For these students, it turned out to be a nice platform to showcase their talent in front a big audience that comprised morning walkers and music connoisseurs.

Many in the audience stayed back well beyond the kutcheri to personally appreciate and bless these young children.