Preethi Kamath gave an impromptu performance to a private audience in Dubai last weekend. She effortlessly alternated between singing in the Hindustani and the Carnatic styles - a difficult task for even the trained vocalist.
I greatly enjoyed accompanying Preethi on the Harmonium. Initially I was a bit queasy as this was an impromptu event without any rehearsals - and accompanying Carnatic music on the Harmonium is always a huge challenge particularly if it has to be done spontaneously, and with no prior knowledge of the Raag. So I was indeed thrilled when the accompaniment went off smoothly.
The high-point was of course the sight of my mother (and guru) Meera Rao accompanying on the Tabla. Videos of the event have been uploaded on YouTube. My personal favourite - embedded above - was Preethi's rendition of the song Sarasee. The other notable one was the rendition of Raag Malkoums in both the Hindustani and the Carnatic (Hindolam) style.
I greatly enjoyed accompanying Preethi on the Harmonium. Initially I was a bit queasy as this was an impromptu event without any rehearsals - and accompanying Carnatic music on the Harmonium is always a huge challenge particularly if it has to be done spontaneously, and with no prior knowledge of the Raag. So I was indeed thrilled when the accompaniment went off smoothly.
The high-point was of course the sight of my mother (and guru) Meera Rao accompanying on the Tabla. Videos of the event have been uploaded on YouTube. My personal favourite - embedded above - was Preethi's rendition of the song Sarasee. The other notable one was the rendition of Raag Malkoums in both the Hindustani and the Carnatic (Hindolam) style.
