There is a special je ne sais quoi about the music of yesteryear that sets off a sense of fulfilment. Perhaps it’s nostalgia. Listening to Sangeetha Acharya Suguna Varadachari at Raga Sudha was a fulfilling experience and for me, it was one of the highlights of the season. So many youngsters and young musicians were in the hall giving mami the adulation which eluded her when she was in her prime.

The concert began with Inta paraka. Both vidwans R K Shriramkumar and K Arunprakash played with great respect and helped to bring the music to life.

Mayamalavagaula was followed by the soulful Brovavamma. The concert included slokam followed by Neerajakshi, a grand Kambhoji and O Rangasayee with a niraval at Chinthadheeru. Kallaarkum and Eppovaruvaro sung by accompanist Aishwarya rounded out this offering of Musiri Srinivasa Iyer’s renditions. Suguna Varadachari announced that she had learnt all the pieces from him.

Special mention should be made of Aishwarya Shankar who was extremely attentive to her guru’s needs on stage and would take up the thread of the melody whenever a support or transition was required. Her singing and her voice matched to the lead singer. Eppo varuvaro was handed off to her entirely because of the higher pitch required. Aishwarya did not disappoint. She sang this in a much slower nadai befitting the Musiri bani.

A standing ovation followed with the audience unwilling to leave the hall and clustering at the stage to pay their respects. Many singers including Amritha Murali, K Gayathri, Mambalam sisters and several others were spotted as part of the audience.