Avanika Prasad - Program and Artists

THODAYA MANGALAM

An opening prayer invoking the Almighty to bless the event

VINAYAKA KAUTHVAM

Rāga: Hamsanandi Talam: Adi (Do you have the composer)

This vibrant invocatory piece is in praise of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and embodiment of wisdom and compassion. The lyrics highlight His glory revered by sages and gods alike, describing Him as a treasure house of virtues (guṇa ratnākara) and a beacon of grace. With powerful rhythm and devotional energy, the Kauthvam is a celebratory opening in classical dance performances.

JATHISWARAM

Rāga: Rasikapriya Tāla: Adi Composer: Lalgudi Jayaraman

Jathiswaram is a nritta (pure dance) item incorporating music, rhythm and movement where the jathis (dance sequences) are strung together creatively to music that is based on swaras (notes) set to a specific talam (rhythmic cycle). The dancer gracefully demonstrates joy of movement through hand gestures and foot work.

VARNAM

Ragamalika Tāla: Rupakam Language: Sanskrit Composer: Maharaja Swati Tirunal

This composition is dedicated to Lord Rama and depicts the various episodes from the well known epic, Ramayana. The varnam is the central piece of a Bharata Natyam concert and combines pure dance (Nitta) with interpretive dance (Abhinaya).

DEVARNAMA: JAGADODHARANA

Rāga: Kaapi Tāla: Adi Language: Kannada Composer: Purandaradasa

This composition extolls Lord Krishna as a mischievous child as well as the Divine God. Yashoda plays with Krishna, a gem among children, a representation of everything great and good, and wonders if he is indeed the supreme Lord Vishnu, who is smaller than an atom and yet infinite, who is omniscient and omnipresent, Yashoda innocently plays with Him - the creator of the universe and yet her child!

5. KEERTHANAM: MAATA PARASHAKTI

Ragamalika Tāla: Adi Language: Tamil Composition: Subramanya Bharati

Pioneer of modern Tamil Poetry, Subramanya Bharati is known for his rhyme, rhythm, simplicity, sublime choice of words. In this beautiful composition, he describes the beauty and glory of the Divine Mother in her three glorious forms: The benevolent Goddess of Knowledge, Saraswati, the Bestower of prosperity, Lakshmi and the valorous Durga.

6. BHAJAN: MAIN APNE BAL

Rāga: Thilang Tāla: Adi Language: Hindi Composer: Surdas

Choreography: Late Smt. Jamuna Krishnan

The flute who is the recipient of the gopikas’ gripe, is taken aback by their hostile reaction. They are jealous of his proximity to Krishna. The flute responds, "It is by my own strength and abilities that I have won the friendship and affection of Krishna. Why are you jealous...?"

7. SHIVA PADAM: PRADOSHA SAMAYADI

Rāga: Purvi Kalyani Tāla: Adi Language: Kannada Composer: Shri Padmacharan

This is a powerful dance piece that depicts Lord Shiva performing his cosmic tandava during the sacred twilight hour of Pradosham. Set to a vigorous rhythm, it captures Shiva’s dynamic energy, divine majesty, and nature’s abundance where time has stood still.The melodious singing of Parvathi, combined with Ganesha’s resonant percussion, sets the stage for Shiva’s cosmic dance, filling the heavens with devotion and rhythm.The piece is a tribute to Shiva as the supreme dancer—Nataraja.

8. THILLANA

Rāga: Gambheera Nattai Tāla: Adi Composer:: Oothukadu Sri Venkata Kavi

This lively non-traditional thillana vividly celebrates Lord Krishna’s celestial dance on the serpent Kalinga. Set in a brisk tempo with intricate rhythmic syllables (jatis), the piece masterfully combines laya (rhythm) and bhava (expression), making it a showcase for both nritta (pure dance) and abhinaya (expressive storytelling). The vibrant description and dynamic footwork reflect Krishna’s fearless energy and divine playfulness.

9. MANGALAM

The conclusion of the program with the dancer expressing her gratitude to the Divine, the Guru, the musical ensemble and the audience.

Snack break: 5:30pm | Dinner: 8:00 pm

Artists

Srikanth Gopalakrishnan - Vocals

Srikanth Gopalakrishnan is an accomplished Carnatic vocalist, musicologist, composer, and educator, with over 35 years of performance experience. Trained by his mother, the legendary Smt. Leelavathy Gopalakrishnan, he later studied under Sangeetha Kalanidhi Sri T.M. Thyagarajan and received the Government of India Cultural Scholarship to train with Sri O.S. Thiagarajan. He further enriched his repertoire under stalwarts like Sri T.K. Govinda Rao, Sri T.R. Subramaniam, and Sri A. Sundaresan. An “A” graded artist of All India Radio, Srikanth holds a Master’s in Indian Music from the University of Madras and a Bachelor’s in Computer Science. A respected scholar and multi-linguist, he has researched and revived compositions of the Mysore composers and Haridasas of Karnataka, tuning over 300 Devarnaamas, along with works from the Divya Prabandhams, bhajans, and Subramanya Bharathi’s songs.He has worked with India’s leading classical dancers and recorded over 150 dance productions. His awards include Asthana Vidwan of Sri Kanchi Mutt, Best Concert Award from The Music Academy, and honors from prestigious institutions in India and abroad.Known for his soulful renditions and deep scholarship, Srikanth continues to perform, compose, and teach globally.

B.P. Haribabu - Mridangam

B.P. Haribabu is a versatile Mridangam exponent, trained under the esteemed gurus Kalaimamani Sri V.P. Ramadoss and Kalaimamani Sri Thiruvaroor Bhakthavatchalam at the Tamil Nadu Government Music College. With over three decades of dedication to the field, he has earned a distinguished place in the world of classical dance accompaniment.Honored with the title ‘Vaadhya Visharadha’ in 1988, Sri Haribabu is not only a master of Mridangam but also proficient in Pakhawaj, Nattuvangam, and rhythmic composition. He is highly sought after for Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi performances, known for his impeccable synergy with dancers and deep sensitivity to movement and rhythm.An innovator in rhythm pedagogy, he developed a unique symbolic notation system for talas and rhythmic patterns that have been widely adopted by dancers and teachers for decades. He has also conducted lectures, workshops, and demonstrations across the world and is set to release a book on rhythm.A true globe-trotter, Sri Haribabu has performed in 31 countries, including prestigious venues such as the John F. Kennedy Center, Jacob’s Pillow, and Fall for Dance Festival. He has been associated with the Arpana Dance Company (USA) for over 20 years.

Kiran Athreya - Violin

Kiran Athreya began his violin training at the age of nine under the guidance of Sri Krishna Kutty and is currently a disciple of the renowned violinist Sri Delhi P. Sunderrajan. His musical journey started even earlier with vocal lessons from his grandmother, Smt. Vatsala Parthasarathy, followed by training with Smt. Padma Kutty before he transitioned to violin.Kiran has since established himself as a versatile and committed Carnatic musician. He has accompanied numerous vocalists, delivered solo performances, and contributed as a violinist for a wide range of Arangetrams and dance productions across the United States and India. A recipient of the prestigious Alliance for California Traditional Arts (ACTA) apprenticeship scholarship, Kiran was also recognized by the 12th Council District of the City of Los Angeles for his contributions to the promotion of the arts.In addition to his musical pursuits, Kiran leads a team of researchers at the Children’s Hospital of Orange County, where he applies his analytical and leadership skills to advance pediatric healthcare.

Mohanraj Jayaraman - Flute

Mohanraj Jayaraman is an accomplished flautist, trained under two legendary gurus—Padma Bhushan Dr. T.V. Gopalakrishnan and Kalaimamani Thiruvarur Swaminathan. He holds a Diploma in Vadiyakalaimani from the Tamil Nadu Government Music College, Chennai, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Indian Music from the University of Madras, where he was awarded the Gold Medal for outstanding performance.Renowned for his mastery over the Kuzhal (flute) Mohanraj has earned the titles "Kuzhal Isai Nadamani" and "Kuzhal Isai Vendhan", recognizing his contribution to the art form.He has performed at prestigious venues and festivals including Tamil Isai Vizha, Mahabalipuram Festival, Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt, Chidambaram Natarajar Temple, Mantralayam, Vellore Golden Temple, Chinmaya Mission, and Narayana Guru Mutt. His performances span across solo concerts, TV appearances, government-sponsored programs, and dance arangetrams both in India and abroad.With a deep understanding of tradition and exceptional tonal control, Sri Mohanraj Jayaraman continues to elevate the stature of flute music, captivating audiences with his soulful and resonant performances.

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