Jayanti Kumaresh’s veena recital adds a new dimension to Bhilwara Sur Sangam

Among the many festivals across the country that celebrate the richness of Indian classical arts, the Bhilwara Sur Sangam occupies a special place. The annual two-day festival began with a vocal concert of Bhagyesh Marathe, the grandson of legendary vocalist Pt. Ram Marathe. Bhagyesh, among top-ranking young musicians, impressed with his pliant voice, though he should enhance the emotive appeal of his music.

The evening concluded with a Saraswathi veena concert by Jayanthi Kumaresh. This marked the debut of the veena at the festival, and only the second occasion in its 13-year history that a Carnatic musician was invited. Hence, there were mixed expectations. But Jayanthi never disappoints. She held the audience’s attention throughout the concert. She matches her impeccable technique with a perfect choice of ragas. Jayanthi ended her concert with a thumri ‘Baat chalat’ in Bhairavi (Sindhu Bhairavi in the Carnatic idiom).