A four-day classical music festival, organized by the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC), Ministry of Culture, Govt of India Patiala, kicked off at the Kalidas Auditorium here on Friday. The host NZCC has invited acclaimed artistes with years of experience in the classical genre, some of them national and state awardees, to be a part of this four-day long musical festival, rolling out a range of captivating concerts of classical music - instrumental and vocal.
On Day One, Professor Amandeep Singh of Patiala, mesmerized the audience with his captivating rendition on 'Dilruba', a musical instrument which was invented by the 10th Sikh Master, some 300 years ago.
He enlivened the evening with raag Yaman setting the mood and mijaz of the audience, doling out Bara khayal and chhota khayal in teen taal.
He went on to Ardh Sikhar Taal, a rare taal, which earned him a huge admiration from the audience. The showstopping performance by Singh was the Thumri 'Yaad piya ki aaye...' rendered in a typical tradition.This was now time for an accomplished exponent of the Patiala Gharana, Vidushi Anjana Nath to perform and prove her singing prowess. She started with
raag Jaijawanti, a typical Hindustani classical raag belonging to Khamaj Thaat, earning her full-throated appreciation from the audience. Raag Yaman, a favourite raga of Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan of Patiala Gharana, which was followed by a soulful vilambit ektaal bandish of sadarang ji "Laal mosey preet na janyo..."..and her self-composed bandish set to Rupak taal "Jap harinaam..." Drut teen taal Desi "Mharo dongar re.." creating an ambient backdrop.
Up next from her face repertoire was Maj Khamaj Thumri - Prem agan jiyara": ending up with the serene and soul-soothing raag Bhairavi.."Naina more taras rahe..." which earned her a thunderous applause. Other among the icons of classical genre of music, lined up to perform during the 4-day long musical bonanza include the well-known sitar maestro Adnan Khan and singing stars from Banaras, Rahul Mishra and Rohit Mishra, (Dec 23), Pandit Mor Mukat Kedia (Sitar) and Pandit Manoj Kumar Kedia (Sarod) to perform on the penultimate (Dec 24) and keep the music lovers hooked to their seats with their magical Jugalbandi.
The evening will end up with a powerful classical rendition by famous classical singer Mohd. Amaan Khan, while on the concluding day, (Dec 25) coveted Grammy Award winners Padmabhushan Vishwa Mohan Bhatt (Mohan Veena) and Pandit Salil Bhatt (Satvik Veena) while classical singer Harish Tiwari will perform next marking the end to the fascinating musical festival.
Director NZCC Furqan Khan on the occasion said "Patiala, also known as the royal city with a rich musical history of classical singing, offers a deja vu moment with the NZCC hosting a soulful music festival to live up to the aspirations of the music-lovers of the city. I call upon all music lovers to come and be a part of this mega musical treat and be a partner in the reinnasance of the ancient heritage of the Royal City"