By Uday Kamath (05/29/2023)
After a nine-year hiatus, the Memorial Day weekend Hindustani Classical Concert returned with a resounding triumph, reverberating through the halls of Writer’s Center teeming with enraptured artists and music aficionados. Anubrata Bhai’s captivating tabla solo, supported by the sonorous harmonium played by Shreyas Ravi Bhai, gave the concert its impressive start. Anubrata bhai’s ingenuity shone brightly as he played traditional compositions, masterfully blending them with modern tales and stories ranging from mythology to cricket. These unique renditions kept the music fresh and relevant, and the audience remained invested in every beat.
The concert shifted gears with Soumya Da’s brilliant execution of traditional compositions in Raag Shudh Kalyan, Bihaag, and a delightful short piece in Desh on Sarod. His melodious tones encapsulated the rich heritage of the Hindustani Classical tradition and demonstrated mastery.
As always, the spirit of Debu Da, the invisible pillar of the concert, was felt throughout the evening, and though physically not present, he was there watching us live on FB and giving us all the necessary boost.
Can always rely on the aficionados and partners in crime – Asmita, Milind, and Rajendra who worked relentlessly and tirelessly behind the scenes to manage logistics, emcee, decorations, beautiful saree background, and the stage. Their dedication to ensuring a seamless experience deserves praise! Hats off to Jamil Bhai for the impeccable audio engineering. The flawless acoustics allowed every attendee to appreciate the performance’s nuances fully.
A special mention goes out to all the musicians and music patrons who graced the event – their presence greatly enhanced the concert’s rich tapestry – Vishwas Shirgaonkar, Alif Laila ji, Subhashish da, Krishna Ramdas ji, Swati Patwardhan Kanitkar, Vatsala Mehra ji, Geeta Manoj Singh, Sunetra Mahajan, Suresh Kadakia ji, and others. Many couldn’t because of the travel plans but I hope to see you all.
