10th Annual ‘Aalap’ festival being presented by SaMaPa (Sopori Academy of Music And Performing Arts) in collaboration with, Department of Tourism, Jammu, Academy of Arts, Culture & Languages and Department of Information and Public Relations J&K began at Jodhamal Public School today.During the inaugural session, Abhay Rustam Sopori presented a mesmerizing and scintillating Santoor recital in ‘jugalbandi’ with Tabla, played by one of the India’s finest table player Ustad Akram Khan and Pakhawaj, being played by Rishi Shankar Upadhyay.Abhay Rustum Sopori presented Raga Bheem, a rare and a melodious morning raga commencing with soothing Aalap gently unfolding the raga and made the audience full of young students sing with him. This was followed by a Sufiana Tarana composition of the great Master musician Pt. Samsar Chand Sopori ji, “Dim Tana Ta Dare Ta Dani” in Ektaal, Bandish in Madhlaya Teentaal “Ae Naad Bedan ko” and Gat in Drutlaya Teentaal. The Sawal Jawab jugalbandi of Tabla and Pakhwaj with Santoor enthralled the audience.
The 10 day premier classical, Sufi and folk music festival will be held at 20 various places including border areas like Samba, Akhnoor, R S Pura, Rajouri and Poonch.The festival started in the year 2006 and over the years it has grown as a prestigious music festival of the J&K State. The cultural feast, which is specially youth oriented, has been conceived by young music maestro Abhay Rustum Sopori.Speaking on the occasion, Abhay Rustom Sopori stressed on the importance of art and culture for the young generation and asked them to take the mission forward and contribute to the rich heritage of the state. He also highlighted SaMaPa’s initiatives and activities in the State.The inaugural session of the festival was witnessed by large number students, teachers and music lovers. The students also asked questions related to the various classical musical instruments. The festival on 17th February will feature Sufi vocal recital by Ragini Rainu at 11:00 am at Army Public School, Ratnuchak and Mohan Veena recital by Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt at the Police Academy, Vijaypur, Samba at 7:00 pm.Among others present on the occasion were, Secretary J&K Art, Culture & Language Dr Aziz Hajizi, Station Director Doordarshan Jammu, Anjali Sharma, Dy. Director, J&K Tourism Department Jammu, Susheel Attri, Aparna Sopori, Dr. Usha Bagati and Nandan Kutiala.