Kolkata music competition celebrates guru-shishya custom

Rakesh Chaurasia, the nephew of Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia enjoying the flute on the second day of the ITC Sangeet Sammelan music competition.
| Photograph Credit score: Particular Association

Kolkata’s ITC Sangeet Analysis Academy celebrated Hindustani classical music from throughout India with stalwarts, together with Shubha Mudgal and Rakesh Chaurasia, regaling captivated audiences. This five-decade-old stage has commemorated the guru-shishya custom of artwork handed on from instructor to pupil. 

The 53rd ITC Sangeet Sammelan 2024 showcased a variety of vocal and instrumental traditions, from the melodious notes of the sitar and the sarod to the rhythmic depths of the tabla and the expressive sound of the sarangi. It additionally represented an unparalleled coming collectively of acclaimed greats and rising stars. 

Artistes Sanjukta Biswas and Sabina Mumtaz Islam, who carried out a duet on the second day of the occasion, began their journey with the ITC Sangeet Analysis Academy in 1996 as college students, and now share the stage with their gurus. “This can be a historic stage. There are not any artistes in India who haven’t carried out right here, together with stalwarts equivalent to Ustad Rashid Khan, Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar, vocalist Arun Bhaduri, Pandit Ajoy Chakraborty, and others,” Ms. Mumtaz informed The Hindu.  

Shubha Mudgal, Indian singer and composer throughout her efficiency on the ITC Sangeet Sammelan music competition
| Photograph Credit score:
Particular Association

Saradindu Dutta, government director and trustee, ITC Sangeet Analysis Academy, mentioned that the competition sought to deliver varied genres to the identical platform. “Our journey is all about nurturing students from throughout India. They keep right here, be taught right here, all freed from value. The gurus additionally keep right here, and collectively they foster the guru-shishya traditions of studying music through the years,” he added.  

One other organising member current on the occasion mentioned the largest purpose the Sangeet Sammelan had been drawing listeners packed to the brim for many years was that almost all members of the viewers have been at completely different phases in studying music themselves.  

The timeless great thing about the Dhrupad, Khayal, and ghazal traditions, and the intricate tapestry of ragas, talas, and gharanas, have been celebrated and uplifted on the gathering by which audiences sat all through the night time within the winter chilly to hear and pay homage to their favorite artistes. 

By these occasions and studying experiences, the organisers want to protect the wealthy heritage of classical music throughout the nation.