Spirit of harmony

-The Hindu; Friday Review, July 10, 2014

Father Paul Poovathingal is a Christian priest with a doctorate in Carnatic music from University of Madras... His classical concert was a paean to religious amity... Music buffs were amazed not only by the rendition delivered in his charming voice, but the alacrity with which the priest entreated Lord Venkatesa (‘Maruni kanna Sri Venkatesa, Sukumara nannelukora sarasuda’) to protect him. The concert at the hall of the Manalarukavu Temple, Viyyur, was an example of harmony in every sense of the word. Inspired by the protracted applause from the auditorium packed to its capacity, the vocalist switched to Dikshitar’s ‘Vathapi Ganapathim’ after a short alapana of Hamsadwani.... Tyagaraja’s ‘Nagumo’ in Abheri was both crisp and inspiring. The musician’s virtuosity was evident in the elaboration of Sankarabharanam, which was the main raga of the evening...

Perhaps it was the temple authorities who deserved praise for having organised such a unique concert...

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