MAHA KAVI SUBRAMANI BHARATHI CONCERT

Performance by well-known devotional and classical vocalist Shrimathi Mahenthri on June 5.

The International Centre for Performing Arts is to present a concert by well-known devotional and classical vocalist Shrimathi Mahenthri on June 5.

The principal artiste, Mahenthrie Pillay. commenced her singing career at the age of five. In 1996 she spent time in India learning music under respected musicologist and music critic, the late Mrs Sulochana Pattabhiraman, and A -Grade recording artist Mrs Prema Hariharan. Her music is played regularly on radio and she has made several television appearances on programmes like Impressions, Dharma Moments, Spirit Sundayand SABC 2/3.

In 2008, Mahenthri received two nominations for the South African Traditional Music Awards in the categories Best Female and Best Indian Album. To date she has released seven CD's including Paamalai, Dharshan, Sakthi, Karthikeya, Isai Gaanam, Sacred music and Paamalai vol 2.

At this year’s Bharathiar festival hosted by The International Centre For Performing Arts, Mahenthri will be accompanied on mrdhangam by Sri Ramanathan Pillay. Ramanathan hails from a family of musicians and expanded his skills under his Guru, Shri Neyvelli Venkatesh, who hails from India.

Also performing in several dance items will be Krishni Balakisten who will be vocally supported by her renowned husband Magantharan Balakisten. Vijayaluxmi Balakisten, an accomplished vocalist of the carnatic genre and radio programme presenter, will also complement the programme together with relative newcomer Theo Ramsewak, who has already released an excellent recording of vocal items.

The Maha Kavi Subramani Bharathi Concert will be held at the Howard College Auditorium on June 5 at 15h00.