KOCHI:
When Yadhu Nandan rendered Sangeethame Amara Sallapame as the opening song, the three-word line from the youngster unveiled the core mission of the troupe at the therapeutic concert today. The Malayalam lyrics, which start with the meaning that ‘music is a means of eternal banter’, not only brought alive memories of the key character in 1992 Malayalam movie Sargam coming back to life, but tended to balm the minds of the audience at the weekly ‘Arts and Medicine’ programme of the Kochi Biennale Foundation (KBF).
At the 242nd edition of the all-Wednesday show at the Government General hospital here, students of Matha Sangeetha Vidyalaya School of Music, Fort Kochi sang in succession as well as together for the patients as well as medical and paramedical staff among other onlookers at the premises. The 90-minute programme this week comes five weeks ahead of the fourth edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, which is India’s biggest contemporary art show.
Yadhu was among the 15 students of the institution, proving one’s artistic merit, having been groomed under Varghese A A, one of their pivotal gurus. The others at the show were Neha Maria, Jabriel Jojo, Athira V S , Anjali, Diya Aisha, Pranav, Mehtab, Pavithra Anil, Janeesha Rajesh, Anugraha, Aleena Rajesh, Cerelia Annam, Arya and Aleena Jose. Anjali and Pranav (first-grade students) were the youngest in the lot, while Neha (engineering student) was the most experienced.
Matha Sangeetha Vidyalaya has, over the past 15 years, mentored students by channelling their artistic talent in the right direction. The institution has, with the help of the students, parents, well-wishers, has established itself as a leading music school in Kerala.
Yadhu’s Sangeethame… was followed by Neha, who sang the hit number Kannodu Kanne. Overall, the students recreated the charm of 20 songs. Yadhu, Neha, Jibrel, Diya and Pranav sang two songs each.
“Each student in the school is an asset, and all of them are keen on chasing their dreams in the music field,” said Varghese Master thanking the organisers of the programme for the wonderful opportunity. “We feel gratified to see the devotion and dedication of the students while delivering a song. As a music teacher, it gives me incomparable joy to see my students on stage.”
‘Art and Medicine’ is a KBF initiative in association with Mehboob Memorial Orchestra, offering music for the solace of patients. It has featured innumerous artists from amateurs to professionals in its musical journey spanning six years.
