After warming up with ‘Vanajakshi’ in Kalyani, she sang a viruttam ‘Palum Theli Thenum’ and sailed smoothly into Sriranjani for ‘Gajavadhana’. She unleashed her fertile imagination in her kalpana swaras.

The melodious Abheri found expression in the vocalist. After an elaborate raga alapana we could guess the kriti. But she chose ‘Nagumomu’ by Tyagarja which was popularised by M Balamuralikrishna. Sudha rendered this kriti not for the cerebrum but for the soul.

Her exhaustive sketch of Shanmukapriya for ‘Saravanabhava’ by Papanasam Sivan was garnished with manodharma. Niraval of ‘Saravanabhava’ was a blend of melody and bhakthi. Her brigas reflected her renowned school – GNB. The swaras were replete with grammar.

Sudha disappointed the audience with ‘Krishna Nee Vegamai Varai’ instead of ‘Krishna Nee Begane Baro’ in Yamuna Kalyani. It is a famous kriti of her guru M L Vasanthakumari.

On listeners’ choice, she sang the often sung ‘Kuraionrum Illai’ by Rajaji. She wished everyone a happy New Year and prayed for peace and prosperity of mankind. Her usual ‘Brahmam Okatte’ of Annamacharya, requested by the rasikas, was stereotyped.

Who can conclude the concert without singing Bharathiar’s 'Chinnanchiru Kiliye' in ragamalika.

She breathed life into the ragas and bhakti bhava surfaced in every piece.

Violinist Embar Kannan was dynamic and followed the vocalist with grace.

Tiruvarur Vaidyanathan on the mridangam was good as usual.

Raman on morsing played with creative flourishes.

Their tani was erudite and they painted a rich rhythmic landscape.

Mira