Artistes and audience at Kat and Kin Coffee Roasters
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
In Chennai, where love for good coffee and music often goes hand-in-hand, specialty coffee roasteries have begun hosting Carnatic kutcheris. The setting is far removed from the traditional concert hall — the hiss of espresso machines and the clink of cups mingle with the music, while the aroma of freshly-roasted coffee lends the experience a distinctive charm. As part of the centenary celebrations of the legendary Carnatic flautist T.R. Mahalingam (also known as Mali), Swaroop Mamidipudi presented an intimate flute tribute at Kat and Kin Coffee Roasters.Accompanied by M. Vijay on the violin and Anirudh Athreya on the kanjira, Swaroop’s presentation went beyond a conventional concert. Combining live flute renditions with archival recordings of Mali, he offered listeners insights into the maestro’s work and its enduring influence. Interspersed with explanations and anecdotes, the programme unfolded as an engaging blend of performance and conversation, bringing audiences closer to Mali’s musical legacy.
T. R. Mahalingam (flute Mali), whose spontaneous and unpredictable approach to performance gave his music a larger-than-life quality.
