Thumri legend on the greens

The legendary Indian classical vocalist Girija Devi, will hold fort again this evening. As a part of the Music in the Park series Appaji, as she’s affectionately called, will perform along with respected violin virtuoso TN Krishnan, writes HT Correspondent.

The legendary Indian classical vocalist Girija Devi, will hold fort again this evening. As a part of the Music in the Park series Appaji, as she’s affectionately called, will perform along with respected violin virtuoso T.N. Krishnan.

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She’ll be singing from her large and widely followed repertoire of khayal, thumri, dadra, tappa and kajari and chaiti.

Regarded as one of the finest and versatile singers in the country, Devi made her debut in 1949.

The recital was broadcast on All India Radio and her first live concert followed soon after. Although she’s in her eighties, Devi continues to mesmerise audiences and still travels often for shows.

One of the few surviving performers of the purabi gayaki traditions, she is believed to have greatly helped the cause of thumri along with other stalwarts such as Pandit Channulal Mishra and later Begum Akhtar and Shobha Gurtu.

The concert begins at 6 pm today at Nehru Park, Chanakyapuri; Entry is open to all. The seating at the venue is baithak style, it’s best to get there by 5.45 pm.