The Hindu on Sunday Kutcheri

The Hindu's KT Jagannathan writes on the Success of the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chen-arts/chen-music/tykes-without-mikes/article4204095.ece

Prithvi presents lively Sunday Kutcheri

As part of the monthly Sunday Kutcheri in the park organised by Sundaram Finance, 13 year old Prithvi Harish, a student of Chettinad Vidyashram presented a lively Kutcheri this Sunday (2 December) morning at 630am at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore. Prithvi is learning music from Guru Mrs. Madhuram Srinivasan (one of the Therezhendur Sisters). Prithvi was accompanied on the Mridangam by TV. Srivatsa (Guru T.Shyamsundar) and on the Violin by T.Srikanth (Guru Hemamalini Renganathan) The music connoisseurs and the morning walkers at the park who had gathered around the Chess Square appreciated his presentation that included Papanasam Sivan’s Mooladharamurthi (Hamsadhwani -Aadhi), Kaana Kan Kodi Vendum (Kaamboji- Aadhi), Karapagame Kan Paarai (Madhyamavathi-Aadhi) and Senthil Aandavan (Karaharapriya-Roopakam), Thyagarajar’s Naadha Thanumanisam (Siddha Ranjani – Aadhi) and Muthuswamy Dikshithar’s Kanja Dhalaya Dhaakshi ( Kamala Manohari-Aadhi). The idea behind the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park is to promote young musical talent aged below 15 years and to help them shed their inhibitions and give them the confidence to move up to the next level. Over 500 children have presented the mikeless Kutcheri at the Nageswara Rao Park. Sundaram Finance conducts audition to select the artistes. For audition, email sundaykutcheri@gmail.com

Sahana presents Sunday Kutcheri

Sahana Venugopal, a class X student of Chettinad Hari Shree Vidhyalaya presented a mikeless Kutcheri this Sunday (2 September) morning at 630am at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore. Sahana was accompanied on the Mridangam by R. Kishore (Guru Sri R. Ramesh) and on the Violin by Parur Ananthashree (Guru Shri M.A. Krishnaswamy) Sahana presented songs that included Entho Prema ( Suratti – Adi), Dikshithar’s Sidhi Vinayakam (Shanmukhapriya – Rupakam) Thyagarajar’s (Merusamana - Mayamalavagowlai – Adi) and Sundari ni divya (Kalyani – Adi), Bogeendra shayinam (Kuntalavarali - Kanta Chapu - Swati Thirunaal) and Narayana Theerthar’s Govardhana Giridhara (Durbari Kaanada – Adi). The idea behind the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park is to promote young musical talent aged below 15 years and to help them shed their inhibitions and give them the confidence to move up to the next level. Sundaram Finance conducts audition to select the artistes. For registration,email: sundaykutcheri@gmail.com

California Students presents Sunday Kutcheri

13 year old Arjun Subramanian, a class VIII student of Harker Middle School in San Jose, California came all the way from the US to present a lively Kutcheri this Sunday (5 August) morning at 630a.m at the chess square of the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore as part of the monthly Sunday Kutcheri in the Park organised by Sundaram Finance. No mikes and speakers were used at the Sunday Kutcheri. Arjun was accompanied by Tippirajapuram Hari (a student of Umalaypuram Sri Mali), on the Mridangam, and by Sriram Sridhar (a student of Lalgudi GJR Krishnan), on the Violin. Arjun has been learning music from Guru Sugandha Kalamegham. Arjun’s presentation this morning included compositions such as Gajavadhana (Sriranjani), Sarasasamadana (Kapinarayani) and Vellai Thamarai (Abheri) -tributes to Madurai Mani Iyer-, Sivananda Kamavardhani (Panthuvarali), Brova Baramma (Bahudari), Pahi Parvatha Nandini (Arabhi) and Padame Thunai (Valaji). Sundaram Finance has been organising Sunday Kutcheri in the Park on the first Sunday of every month between 630am and 730am since February 2006. The idea behind the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park is to promote young musical talent aged below 15 years and to help them shed their inhibitions and give them the confidence to move up to the next level. Over 500 children have presented the mikeless Kutcheri at the Nageswara Rao Park. Sundaram Finance conducts audition to select the artistes. For registration: email sundaykutcheri@gmail.com

Pooja presents Sunday Kutcheri on a Cloudy July morning

As part of the monthly mikeless kutcheri organised by Sundaram Finance, 12 year old Pooja Shree Rajagopalan, a student of Modern Senior Secondary School, Nanganallur presented a lively Kutcheri in the Park on a cool and cloudy Sunday (1 July) morning at 630am at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore. Accompanied on the Mirdangam by J. Aravind (Guru: Shri K.R.Ganesh) and on the Violin by Parur M.S. Ananthalakshmi (Guru: Shri M.A.Krishnaswamy), Pooja presented compositions that included Kanu kontini (Bilahari Ragam / Adhi Thalam), Ashta pathi(ragamalika), Eppo varuvaaro - jonpuri (Sree Madurai Mani Iyer) and Geetha Dhuniku ( thillana-swathi thirunaal-dhanashree). Pooja is currently learning music under Guru Smt. Rajalakshmi Srinivasan Over 500 children have presented the mikeless Kutcheri at the Nageswara Rao Park. Sundaram Finance conducts audition to select the artistes. For registration: sundaykutcheri@gmail.com

Varshini Kannan presents a lively Mikeless Kutcheri

In front of an informal audience at the Chess Square of the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore comprising of music connoisseurs and morning park walkers, 13year old Varshini K, a student of The Hindu Senior Secondary School, Adyar presented a lively Kutcheri this Sunday (June3) morning at 630am as part of the monthly mikeless kutcheri organised by Sundaram Finance. Varshini, who is learning music under Guru Dr. Ushalakshmi Krishnamurthy, was accompanied on the Violin by T. Kishore (Guru – MSG Suresh) and on the Mirdangam by Karthik (Guru - Sri Ranganathan). Vashini’s presentation that was much appreciated by the audience included compositions such as Veenai Kuppaiyer’s Vinayaka Ninnu (Hamsadhwani), Gopalakrishna Bharathi’s Sabapathikku (Abogi), Sri Thyagarajar’s Sarasa Saamadhaana (Kapi Narayani), Sri Muthuswami Dikshithar’s Sivakameshwari (Kalyani), Periyasami Dhooran’s Kaliyuga Varadhan - Bridavana Saranga and Sri Annamacharya’ Brahmam Okate (Bowli). S. Sivakumar, Sr. VP (Operations) Sundaram Finance Ltd., presented certificates and mementos to the performing artistes.

This is the 7th year that Sundaram Finance has been organising the monthly mikeless Sunday Kutcheri in the Park. The idea behind the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park is to promote young musical talent aged below 15 years and to help them shed their inhibitions and give them the confidence to move up to the next level. The focus is to make the Sundaram Finance Sunday Kutcheri in the Park a small stepping stone for young children to present their musical talent in front of an audience and to serve as a launch pad for these young budding artistes. Over 500 children have presented the mikeless Kutcheri at the Nageswara Rao Park. Sundaram Finance conducts audition to select the artistes. For registration: email: sundaykutcheri@gmail.com

Abhishek's mikeless kutcheri

As part of the monthly Sunday Kutcheri in the park organised by Sundaram Finance, 14year old Abhishek, a student of Sir Sivaswami Kalalaya Sr. Sec School, Mylapore presented an hour of lively mikeless Kutcheri this Sunday (May 6) morning at 630am at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore.

Abhishek, who is learning music under Guru Ms. Kousalya Mahadevan, was accompanied on the Violin by V. Deepika Guru (Kalaimamani A.Kanyakumari) and on the Mirdangam by V. Sairam Guru (Kalaimanani Thirvaroor Baktha Vatsalam). Watched by music connoisseurs and early morning park walkers, Abhishek presented songs that included Koteeswara Iyer’s VaranaMukhava (Hamsadhwani –Roopakam), Thyagarajar’s ShivaShiva (Panthuvaraali – Adhi) and Cherarava (Ritigowlai –Adhi), Papanasam Sivan’s Kapali(Mohanam–Adhi) Purandaradasar’s Nandathanaya (Bhagyashree – Adhi) and Kulasekara Azhwar’s Manpugazh (Ragamalika – Roopakam) S. Mahadevan, Head- Personnel, Sundaram Finance presented certificates and mementos to the artistes. Those interested in auditioning for the Sunday Kutcheri may mail: sundaykutcheri@gmail.com

Kartik presents Sunday Kutcheri

As part of the monthly mikeless Kutcheri for children aged below 15years organised by Sundaram Finance, Kartik, a class 10 student of DAV Boys Sr. Sec School Gopalapuram presented a vocal carnatic music performance this Sunday (April 1) morning at 630am at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore. He has been learning music from Smt. Kalyani and Guru Sri Rangachari.

Accompanied on the Mridangam by K. Sriram (Guru: Karaikudi Krishnamoorthy & T.K Murthy) and on the Violin by R. Selvaprasad: (Guru: Kumbakonam Deviprasad & Melakaveri Thygarajan Rahul), Kartik presented songs such as Tatvamariya (Reethigowlai), Swaminatha (Natai), Kamalamba (Ananda Bhairavi), Brovabarama (Bahudari), Thala beku (Thakka Bhairavi) and Sobillu (Jaganmohini).

This is the 7th year that Sundaram Finance has been organising the monthly mikeless Sunday Kutcheri in the Park.

The idea behind the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park is to promote young musical talent aged below 15 years and to help them shed their inhibitions and give them the confidence to move up to the next level.

The focus is to make the Sundaram Finance Sunday Kutcheri in the Park a small stepping stone for young children to present their musical talent in front of an audience and to serve as a launch pad for these young budding artistes.
Over 500 children have presented the mikeless Kutcheri at the Nageswara Rao Park.

Sundaram Finance conducts audition to select the artistes.

For registration:email : sundaykutcheri@gmail.com

Sreerangapriya presents Sunday Kutcheri

P. Sreerangapriya, a Class 10 student of Vidya Mandir Mylapore presented a lively kutcheri this Sunday (4 March) morning at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore in front of a big crowd that had gathered around the chess square. Sreerangapriya has been learning music for the last 4 years (current Guru Kum. K. Gayathri)

Accompanied on the Mirudangam by Nellai V. Sreekrishnan (Guru Umayalpuram Sivaraman) and on the Violin by Parur K. Ananthalakshmi (Guru Parur M.A. Krishnaswamy), Sreerangapriya presented compositions that included Papanasam Sivan’s Matha Innum (Sriranjani-Adi), Alavadennalo (Paras- Adi) Thyagaraja’s Krupajoo (Chayatharangini-Adi) and Narayana Theerthar’s Nandanandana (Ragamalika –Adi).

Kasinath, Dy. GM, Sundaram Finance, presented certificates and mementos to the artistes.



Interested children aged below 15years can email: sundaykutcheri@gmail.com
for audition and registration details.

Gayathri presents Sunday Kutcheri in the Park

S. Gayathri, a student of PSBB K.K. Nagar, presented a lively Sunday Kutcheri in the Park this Sunday (5 Feb) morning at 630am at the Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore. Gayathri is learning music from Guru Smt. Padma Sandilyan.

Accompanied on the Mridangam by D. Sivaraman (Guru T. Shyam Sundar) and on the Violin by Parur K. Ananthalakshmi, Gayathri presented songs that included Papanasam Sivan’s Vatapi Ganapathiye (Sahana), Devi Neeye Thunai (Keeravani) and Malmaruga Shanmuga (Vasantha), Deekshithar’s Sri Lakshmi Varaham (Abhogi) and Sri Ranganatham (Poorna Chandrika), Puranadara Dasa’s Dayamado Ranga (Kalyani) and Oothukadu Venkata Subbaiyar’s Aala Vadennalo (Paras)



This is the 7th year that Sundaram Finance has been organising the monthly mikeless Sunday Kutcheri in the Park.

The idea behind the Sunday Kutcheri in the Park is to promote young musical talent aged below 15 years and to help them shed their inhibitions and give them the confidence to move up to the next level.

The focus is to make the Sundaram Finance Sunday Kutcheri in the Park a small stepping stone for young children to present their musical talent in front of an audience and to serve as a launch pad for these young budding artistes.

Over 500 children have presented the mikeless Kutcheri at the Nageswara Rao Park.

Sundaram Finance conducts audition to select the artistes.

For registration, email:sundaykutcheri@gmail.com

55 Vidya Mandir Students present Margazhi Kutcheri in the Park

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

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

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

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