Reviving classical traditions

Music Unlimited

The Utsav took flight 24 years ago in memory of the late Devnandan Ubhayaker to provide a platform for young musicians to perform before discerning audience. Underlying it is the larger agenda to keep the guru-shishya parampara alive. The Utsav has successfully filled the gap left in the absence of royal patronage.

The performers are young, immensely talented and disciples of very well-known gurus. Many of the earlier participants are now outstanding musicians of national and international stature. The festival has grown from being a cultural landmark in the City to national stature; it has in its own way encouraged more youngsters to dedicate themselves to a career in music. Classical traditions, that at one time seemed to be dwindling away in the face of sheer commercialisation, is now beginning to flower again.

The festival, 24th in the series, is being conducted under the auspices of Smriti Nandan a creative centre for youth. There were three sessions. The first session was held on August 28 evening and the second and third sessions were held on August 29 in which six main artistes and eight accompanying artistes participated.

The last session featured a Drupad recital by Sanchita Chowdhury and a sarod recital by Arunabha Deb. The colourful evening commenced with the soulful singing of Sanchita, the disciple of Ustad Faridudin Dagar. She began the concert with Raag Bhopali which was a lively presentation. She received much appreciation for Raag Hamsadhawni. Sanchita concluded her performance with Raag Durga.

The audience was then introduced to the strains of sarod by Arunubha Deb. This disciple of Pandit Buddhadev Das Gupta played the instrument with ease in Raag Bhageshri. His next performance was based on Raag Kedar. He ended the evening with Raag Khamaj. Nisar Ahmed supported the maestro on tabla.