AN EVENING OF CLASSICAL MUSIC July 20, LAICO It seems as if each Melody Friday concert is better than the last! The Melody Friday team certainly outdid expectations this month with the Classical Music concert held on the July 20. A diverse selection of 11 classical songs took as to different parts of the country through soothing renditions of both Carnatic and Hinudstani music.       The concert started with a prayer to Goddess Saraswathi (ramam: Arabhi, talam: Roopakam) sung by Ms. Suganthi from Aurolab who superbly set the tone for the rest of the evening. The next song was by the DTP twins Ms. Aswini and Ms. Ananthi who sung a beautiful song by Gangai Amaran about The Mother. Mr. Sanil followed with “Krishna Nee Begane Baaro” (ragam: Yeman Kalyani) sung with his usual proficiency.       The auditorium was packed, with all the seats filled and hardly any standing space left. The audience responded enthusiastically to all the performances; some were spell bound by the purity of the music, while many, listening with their eyes shut, seemed to be transported to a different world.       The fourth song was a keerthana “Ummai Allaal Ver Aedhu” by Dr. Prathiba , first year D.O. resident. Following this was a gazal by Jagjit Singh “Hosh Waalon Kyo Kabar” sung by Dr. Prathik (Second year M.S.) whose terrified expression disappeared as soon as he started singing! Next on stage was sister Kamila (OPD nurse) who sang a charming Carnatic song “Vanamaali Radha Ramana”.       The next two songs were about Lord Krishna. One was a Hindustani Bhajan by Mr. Sanil, followed by Ms. Suganthi with a Keerthana “Aadathu Asangaadhu” written by Oothukaadu Venkata Subbaiyar in raagam Madhyamavathi.       Two professionals accompanied the singers on the Mridangam and the violin and added to the singer’s performances. Mr. Sanil and Mr. Joe accompanied some of the Gazals on the tabala and the guitar respectively. Dr. Vaishnavi once again excelled in compering the show and kept the audience engaged with her wit and enthusiasm.       Dr. Charutha (2nd year M.S. resident) came next with a soulful gazal by Jagjit Singh about the pain of losing a dear one. She was followed by a guest performance by Ms. Kripa Singan who sang a carnatic song depicting the coronation of Lord Rama in raagam Manirangu.       Mr. Sanil ended the concert with two songs: first a keerthana, and then a lively tune composed by Madurai Mani Ayyar in the western format. The audience burst into applause and left the auditorium with smiles, shining eyes and full hearts.