Maestros of music

The upcoming Sangeet Sammelan in the Capital aims to promote Indian Classical music.

A music and dance jugalbandi by Vidushi Girija Devi and Pandit Birju Maharaj and a dance performance by Dr Vyjayantimala Bali — these are some of the highlights of Sangeet Sammelan, a two-day festival of Indian Classical music that opens at the Kamani Auditorium on April 17.

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The Sammelan started in 1971 as an event honouring eminent Hindustani classical musicians. Over the years, it has become a full-fledged Sangeet Research Academy (SRA) that not only promotes Indian classical music, but also aims to revive the ‘guru-shishya parampara’ of learning.“At the Academy, we aim to develop an effective training in both vocal and instrumental, with a mix of traditional and modern techniques,” says Ravi Mathur, Executive Director, ITC, Sangeet Research Academy. “It has 30 scholars with a faculty of 10 gurus,” he adds. In its three decades of existence, the Academy in Kolkata has exemplified ancient musical traditions that can be enshrined for the generations to come.

“We have formed a research department with learned engineers and experts working towards a scientific approach to this whole venture,” he says.The Sammelan brings to the music connoisseurs of Delhi a mix of renowned artists and scholars from the Academy. The first day will have performances by vocalists Omkar Dadarkar, and a Kathak and Hindustani Classical jugalbandi by Vidushi Girija Devi and Pandit Birju Maharaj. On the second day, there will be performances by Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar, Pandit Ajoy Chakraborty and a dance recital by Dr. Vyjayantimala Bali, besides many more.

The performances will take place on April 17 & 18 at Kamani Auditorium, 4 pm onwards. For more details contact: 9433285897