Padmini Rao (Vocal)

Mandar's concert report

Attended concert of Padmini Rao (Vocal) accompanied by  Parag Dhadphale (Tabla) and Subodh Godbole (Sanvadini) organized by R-square risklab at Embassy of India Auditorium, Abu Dhabi on 20th June 2014 with Jayant, Amit and Raju.

Concert started with evening raag Puriya Dhanashree (prabhu re tu - प्रभु रे तू). Padminiji presented three compositions bada khyal in vilambit ektaal , chota khyal in drut ektal and tarana. These were compositions of Dr. Prabha Atre.

Second raag of the evening was raag Bhupali. She sung two compositions. First in madyalay ektaal followed by Tarana. These were also compositions of Dr. Prabha Atre.

Padminiji then moved to semi classical segment of the evening. This was a Meera bhajan (Mhare ghar aao ji pritam pyara - म्हारे घर आओजी प्रितम प्यारा) in Raag Khamaj. This was her own composition, and what a good composition it was. Her marwari pronunciation was also perfect.

Then she presented very famous Thumri (yaad piyaki aye - याद पियाकी आए) of Ustad Bade Gulam Ali Khan. She sung this very well and audience liked it.

Concert ended with Dadra in Bhairavi (Mori maili ho gai chunariya - मोरी मैली होगई चुनरिया). This was a composition of Dr. Prabha Atre.

Padminiji is a disciple of Dr. Prabha Atre,  doyenne of Kirana gharana and Ustad Zia Moiuddin Dagar, Dhrupad Rudraveena maestro. Needless to say Padminiji is a very good singer, however she seemed to have throat irritation. She introduced the uniniated audience to Khayal gayki by giving background information before start of concert.

Subodh played well and followed Padminiji precisely.

Parag is a very good tabla player and he played very well today. He plays with ease and without theatrics. Padminiji appeared very happy with him.

Audience response was a bit cold today. Applause was measured rather than whole hearted.

Concert started half an our late. It was attended by around 60-70 rasiks. Sound system was not optimum today. Auditorium was chilled.

A good concert. Entertainment rating 8.5/10.