Sanjay Subramaniam At SICA

The curtains opened, and there sat this handsome youth looking every bit like the intelligent chartered accountant that he is. That is, until the first note from his powerful voice floated in to still you into an enraptured attention.

Sanjay Subramaniam, known as the foremost Carnatic vocalist amongst the younger generation, literally stormed the country in the 90s, and continues to give his best to people all over the world - art lovers and critiques alike.

Initially trained in the violin by V Lakshminarayana for over 7 years, he switched over to vocal under Rukmini Rajagopalan and Calcutta K S Krishnamurthy. A regular performer at the Music Academy, Chennai, he's won many laurels in home country and abroad. Chartered Accountant by profession (and where does he find this kind of time to devote to music?), he is the treasurer of Sampradaya, a premier Research Institute of South India.

Opening the concert with a Varnam in Kambhoji, Sanjay went on to sing a Ghana Raga Panchami, a sequence of five ragaas, Nata, Goula, Aarabhi, Varali and Sri. The ragaalaapana revealed the range and control he had over every note, be it the highest or the lowest, with melody retained through every wandering. Our heads moved in deep appreciation, and in accord with his hands, which elaborated each nuance.

This kind of stuff is not found in books or cassettes, dear friends - it can only be learnt directly, face-to-face from a Guru (guru mukha vidya). So make a dash to the nearest (and competent, of course!) Guru and get going, if you intend to impress the world with your singing prowess. Much sought-after mridangam vidwans like Vellore Ramabhadram may then consider being seen on the stage with you as accompanists, or a talented violinist like the young (almost a lad) Varadarajan may highlight your specialities in Raagaalaapana, too. Do it soon while I'm still around, so I can review your concert.

SU