Mangaluru: The city witnessed a mesmerizing evening of classical melodies on Sunday, March 15, as over 500 music enthusiasts gathered at the air-conditioned Sujeer C. V. Nayak Auditorium for ‘Vasant Sangeetsava.’ The four-hour musical extravaganza was jointly organized by the Gaud Saraswat Brahmin (GSB) Seva Sangha in association with the Sri Narayani Sangeet Kala Kendra.
The audience was treated to captivating Hindustani vocal performances by talented young artists, including Vidushi Nandita Pai, Vibha Nayak, Shanteri Kamath, and Vidushi Megha Pai. A unique highlight of the concert was the rendition of special Konkani compositions set to traditional classical ragas. Adding to the charm of the evening was a soul-stirring bansuri recital by young flautist P. Karthik Bhat.
The vocalists and instrumentalists were masterfully accompanied by Srivatsa Bhat and Rajesh Bhagwat on the tabla, and Medha Bhat and Hemant Bhagwat on the harmonium. GSB Seva Sangha President Dr. Kasturi Mohan Pai also graced the stage, performing as a guest artist.
Earlier in the evening, the program was formally inaugurated with the traditional lighting of the lamp by dignitaries including Dr. Kasturi Mohan Pai, Seva Sangha Secretary Dr. Ramesh Pai A., Treasurer Kumble Narasimha Prabhu, and Sri Narayani Sangeet Kala Kendra Founder Vidushi Nandita Pai. They were joined by Yajnawant Pai, Jaya Kamath of Ideal Ice Cream, Kiran Kumar Nayak of NKGSB Co-operative Bank, and Poornachandra Naidu of Union Bank.
Suchitra S. Shenoy and Mangala Bhat smoothly steered the evening as the masters of ceremonies, while M. R. Kamath and Govindaraya Prabhu officially introduced the performing artists to the gathering.
Recognizing their artistic contributions, the performers were felicitated by a panel of esteemed guests, including Dr. Kasturi Mohan Pai, B. R. Shenoy, G. Madhavaraya Prabhu, Aravind Acharya, Vijayachandra Kamath, Mohandas Pai, and Pratima Prabhu. The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Ramesh Pai.
The successful cultural initiative was supported by sponsors including NKGSB Co-operative Bank, Ideal Ice Cream, Union Bank, School Book Company, and the Bharat Group of Companies.