Sikkil Gurucharan and Anil Srinivasan marked their 20-year musical association with a special concert

Rarely does a classical music concert invite its audience to become an integral part of the performance, singing along with the artiste and sharing the musical experience. Aptly titled The Music Between Us, the concert with vocalist Sikkil Gurucharan and pianist Anil Srinivasan was as much about musical collaboration as it was about the joy of collective participation.

The presence of veteran percussionist K.V. Prasad, along with mandolin artiste Vishwas Hari and multi-percussionist Krishna Kishor, added considerable depth to the ensemble. The camaraderie among the artistes was evident, while Anil’s informal narration and engaging anecdotes lent the evening an intimate, almost conversational character.

Students of Anil and Gurcharan set the tone with a group rendition, followed by Vedanta Desikar’s ‘Aaradha Arulamudham’, the 42nd verse of his celebrated work in Hamsanadham. Anil’s understated piano prelude gently opened the melodic canvas for Gurucharan’s rendition.

Muthuswami Dikshitar’s ‘Mamava pattabhirama’ in Manirangu was a particularly rewarding presentation. Reflecting on his long-standing association with Anil, Gurucharan spoke of approaching compositions as poetry, allowing their lyrical sensibilities to shape the rendition.

The piece unfolded as a slow burn, with seamless exchanges among the voice, piano and mandolin. Gurucharan’s impeccable diction and clarity further enhanced the experience, while he and Vishwas gradually explored the contours of Manirangu.

Anil actively involved the audience with a musical quiz, prompting Gurucharan to identify songs through chord progressions in a lively rapid-fire exchange. The ensuing ‘Kannan varugindra neram karaiyoram’, a Kavadichindu, made for an interesting percussion combination with Krishna on the cajon and Prasad on the tabla.

Despite the unconventional pairing, the instruments blended well, with sensitive tonal adjustments and infectious rhythmic grooves. A poignant moment unfolded when Anil paid tribute to guitarist Sadanandam master through musical references to ‘Paruvame’ and the theme from Mouna Ragam.

Gurucharan, in turn, expressed his reverence for maestro Ilaiyaraaja. Swati Tirunal’s ‘Aliveni endhu cheiyu’, a Kathakali padam in Kurunji, was another high point. Portraying a nayika consumed by separation and longing for Padmanabha, the composition gathered emotional intensity, culminating in a compelling crescendo, with Prasad on the chenda.

The audience, including children, joined the artistes for ‘Olipadaitha Kanninaai’ and Dikshitar’s English note, ‘Guruguha sarasija’, reinforcing the evening’s inclusive spirit. The central piece was a ragam-tanam-pallavi set to the lyrics, ‘Jagam pugazhum ezhumalai maayone anjinorukku aarudhal tharum’.

The audience chose the ragas, which included Vasantha, Charukesi, Abheri, Mohana Kalyani, Purvikalyani, Kiravani and Rasikapriya. Rasikapriya received an expansive treatment, while Vasantha was particularly intriguing. The tani avartanam brought the section to a rousing crescendo.

The concert concluded with Subramania Bharati’s ‘Asai mugam marandhu pocche’ — the song that brought Anil and Gurucharan together on their musical journey two decades ago. Some concerts are remembered for virtuosity; others for the memories they create.

This was an evening that celebrated both, reminding us that music turns beautiful when it is a shared experience.