Confluence of musicians

Classical strains

It has been a long and well-travelled road for the Devnandan Ubhayaker Yuva Sangeet Utsav, which commemorated 23 years of classical music history in the City over the weekend through a series of recitals and performances of classical Indian music and song.

The event which was spread over two days was a delightful treat for music lovers with performers coming in from different parts of India to participate.

The programme started with a performance by Vinayaka Devadiga, the young Shehnai artist, who trained under Guru Basavaraj Bhajantri.

This was followed by Pallab Das, the mellifluous Drupad musician from Varanasi, who wowed the audience with his perfect rendition of the long elaborate alaaps, developing the slow and deliberate melodies and gradually climaxing the accelerated rhythms with impeccable technique and passion.

Dattatreya Valankar, the Harikatha artist who was inspired by his father to
study Hindustani vocal music performed the Ahir Bhairav Raga presenting it beautifully with perfect form and structure.

Shakir Khan, the sitar maestro, who has been giving public recitals from the age of 11 and distinguished himself by winning several awards, was simply delightful.
Srivani Jade, a disciple of Pandit Basavarj Rajguru, gave an especially moving Kirana Gayaki rendition, a form of classical singing that has elements of Carnatic music interwoven into its form and presentation.

The event closed on a high note with Dr Sangeeta Shankar’s classic violin recital.
 “We were especially delighted to have Sangeeta present her piece at the close of this year’s Utsav and we hope to continue our tradition of encouraging and supporting the performing classical arts, especially the young and up-and-coming talent.

 It is for discerning music lovers in the City to also come out in large numbers and support these performances, considering the time and effort that goes into the organisation of such a confluence of talent,” said Lalita Ubhayaker, convener  of the Utsav and promoter of Smriti Nandan, a non-commercial centre dedicated to the performing arts located in Bangalore.