In a spectacular effort by the YCEP committee at the Sri Lakshmi Temple, Swaramala succeeded in bringing together 28 musicians who play and sing a variety of instruments in a variety of styles. From the Carnatic violinist Tara Anand to saxophonist Phil Scarf, the musicians joined to not only produce great music but also to raise funds for the expansion of the temple.

The concert was held at the Ashland High School in Ashland Ma on 9 November 2008. The concert opened with the singing of the Adi Shankara composition, Sri Ganesha Pancharatinam.  This was followed by the Carnatic Instrumental section that included three compositions – Varnam in Ragam Kanada, Papanasam Sivan’s Mahalakshmi JaganMata and a Behag Thillana. Carnatic Vocal recital followed with Varnam in Gambheeranaatai, Aarabhinam a Ragamalika Composition by Tharangampadi Panchanatha Iyer, Annamacharya’s Bhavayami Gopalam Balam and a Thillana in Dhanashri.
The second half opened with a Hindustani Instrumental section featuring Raag Jhinjhothi. Hindustani Vocal followed with Drupad in Raag Bhoopali, Khayall in Raag Jayant Malhar, Khayal in Raag Shiv Kauns, Khayaal in Raag Sohoni and a Taraana in Raag Bhairavi .

The Indian-Western fusion section featured Joy of Wisdom composed by Marc Rossi and arranged by Durga Krishnan,  Lal Gopal ,  Kabir Bhajan and a Bandish in Raag Raageshri .The event concluded with Bhagyada Lakshmi in Raagam  Madhyamavathi and Raghupathi Raghava Rajaram.  

It was unusual to see a symphonic rendition of Indian classical music. Considering that the Indian music does not have such a tradition it was a unique presentation that was brilliantly arranged. Despite the symphonic arrangement each artist had an opportunity to expose their individuality which is the stamp of Indian classical music.

“New England Indian American artist have the ability to work together. It really was a joy for us to come together and bond in this musical adventure” said the artists. “Perhaps playing for Mahalakshmi one automatically gets that sense of reverence”  

The event was a fundraiser for the expansion of the temple. “The increase in the number of devotees for the temple along with the need to provide support for education and culture has necessitated the expansion.  The expansion in expected to include extension of the main Mahamandapam and the building of a core facilities building” said Kumar Nochur  and KG Narayana as they sought funds for the project which is expected to cost nearly 4 million.

Food donations by community members helped provide an added source of funds as the audience purchased meals.Nearly 700 people attended the event at various times. Artists  Akshay Nalavadi, Aparna Balaji, Bhuvana Ganesh, Chris Pereji, Durga Krishnan, Geetha Murali, Gaurishankar Chandrashekar,Jon Proudman, K.V.S. Vinay,  Mahalingam Santhanakrishnan, Marc Rossi, Michael Siegell, Nishikant Solwalkar,Padmavalli Bhanidipati,Phil Kaplan, Phil Scarff, Pradeep Shukla, Pravin Sitaram, Preeti Chakravarthy, Ram Naidu, Revathi Ramaswamy,Shuchita Rao, Suresh Mathur, Surya Sundararajan, Swati Panda, Sven Larson, Tara Bangalore and Warren Senders are to be congratulated to putting the hard work required to pull off such a fine effort.

May the blessings of Mahalakshmi always be with them.

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