University of Hyderabad kick-started its new academic year by organising “Taala Vadya Kuthcheri” on 22nd August, 2019 under Campus Concert Series. This series invites various people across cultural fields. “Taala Vadya Kuthcheri” a percussion ensemble led by Peravali Jaya Bhaskar on Mridangam was invited to perform accompanied by P. Murali on Tabla, P.S. Malikarjun on Ghatam, Chandrakanth on Morsing and Kumari Shivani on Violin Refrain.
“Taala Vadya Kuthcheri” is reflective of “Unity in Diversity” of Indian percussion instruments. Mridangam is the lead drum of the ensemble. It is accompanied by Tabla, Ghatam and Morsing.
Jaya Bhaskar received his training in Guru Shishya Parampara from Padmasri Dr Yella Venkateswara Rao. He was awarded Govt of India Senior’s Scholarship and Fellowship. He was honoured with the “Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar” in 2008 by Central Sangeeth Natak Akademi, also Govt of Andhra Pradesh honoured him with the “Vishishta Ugadi Puraskaram” and received the title of “Laya Kala Vipanchi” from the hands of Dr M. Balamurali Krishna. Presently working as a “Top Grade” Mridangam Staff artiste in All India Radio. He is specialized in the solo rendition of Mridangam, performed many Taala Vadya Kuthcheris, Jugalbandis and Fusion music concerts.
The event has started by welcoming the artists, in which Jaya Bhaskar revealed valuable information about the History and Importance of Musical Instruments with Culture. Firstly, offered an instrumental prayer to God. Then each artist showcased their talent by individual short length performance and towards the end performed the instrumental version of “Raghupati Raghav Rajaram” bhajan with perfect coordination.
Shri Y.V. Krishna Rao(Finance Officer), Prof. Sarath Arun and Mr. Ashish Jacob Thomas(Public Relation Officer) expressed their views about the importance of music in today’s date and felicitated the guests as a token of respect and appreciation. Dr. Zahidul Haque(Cultural Co-ordinator) gave the Vote of Thanks and encouraged everyone towards music as it has the power of melting even stones.
-By Indrani Dixita, Department of Hindi