It was an exhilirating moment, when I was the one among the very few Chennaites, who witnessed the concert by Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia @ the "Chennai Festival" by "Times of India".
Thanks to Times of India for arranging such a great event, which is worth a million. TOI gave advertisement on a series of events and gave out Free Passes to all Chennaites. I too utilized this offer and got the pass for the last day event by Panditji & Padmashree Mandolin U. Srinivas concerts yesterday @ Chennai Elliots Beach.
The environment was something unusual. It was an open air concert, on the shore of Ellitos Beach. A small but well decorated Stage was the place where Panditji started his Flute Concert. Many a times sea wind too joined with his tunes. Within 30 minutes the climate changed drastically, it was about to rain.
Nature couldn't resist Panditji's music, so came and took some pictures with flash, later the clouds too couldn't withstand, it melted. But neither Panditji nor the Music Loving Chennaite's were deterred by this. Panditji went on without stopping despite the rain and audience went on listening. It was absolute, royal, professional, respectful, gestures shared by the Great Musician and the Great Audience.
At the end Panditji said "God's are Fighting with Me" so, "I promise to play next time for Chennaities", after his 45 minutes concert, in which 15 minutes of program went on rain. I personally feel, God's are not fighting with him, they are blessing him for what he has done to the Indian Music Community.
Next program was from Padmashree Mandolin U. Srinivas. By the time he started, the rain had stopped and he gave a exhilirating performance. He enjoyed his music as well as appreciated his co-artist's talents. Two great performance in an evening is really a boon for Chennaities. Thanks to TOI.
[I have added few pics that had been taken by me on the event day]
