A noble series of concerts

While most youngsters shy away from classical music, talented vocalist Somesh Mathur is rooted in Hindustani music. Belonging to a musical family, Somesh always knew that he wanted to become a singer.

“My genes lie in classical music and my parents are my gurus,” he says. In fact, such is his love for music that his first performance on stage was at the age of 4! “I sang Chota Khayal in raag Durga. “My first official concert was at Sangeet Research Academy when I was 19,” he notes. 

But now, Somesh is all set to use his music for a social cause. Which is why he is performing a series of concerts called ‘The Calling’, which aims at creating awareness about child and women rights and empowerment.

“I feel any country which does not encourage a full and complete growth of a girl/woman is working on a less than 50 per cent efficiency and has therefore handicapped half its population. Women have a more holistic outlook to life than men and therefore, are better administrators and managers,” he says.

“That’s why I thought of performing this series. It’s an endeavour that I have embarked upon over the last 14 months,” he adds.

He started on a smaller level by performing for corporates and agencies. However, when the concert met with a resounding success, Somesh decided to take it to a larger level. “The songs have special content about women empowerment with Sufiana lyrics. I have performed 51 concerts so far,” says the young musician.

   Having performed over the years in several places across the world like Middle East, South East Asia and East Africa, he is happy when his music forces the listeners to introspect. “Music should go into one’s heart and mind like an arrow. In today’s fast-paced life, people have no time to think. So when my music helps someone introspect their lives, I feel very happy. I feel that my purpose is served,” he exclaims.

According to Somesh, the biggest impact can happen only through music.

“Musical content has an unusual acceptance. The impact that music and lyrics have on people, nothing else can. For instance, people still remember the lyrics of artistes like Bob Dylan, Pink Floyd and Bruce Springsteen. They are evergreen and everlasting. One may forget the speeches of powerful politicians but not a song like ‘Another Brick In The Wall’,” he says.

Not one to shy away from the Bollywood industry, Somesh is also working on the music of a couple of upcoming Bollywood projects.