The 11th Guru M L Koser Festival of Music and Dance in New Delhi commenced with a mesmerizing blend of classical artistry, featuring a jugalbandi of soothing Sitar strings and soulful vocal recital, followed by a scintillating Odissi dance performance.
Pracheen Kala Kendra, dedicated to the prosperity, promotion, and preservation of Indian Classical Arts, honored its Founder Guru ML Koser by hosting the annual Guru M L Koser Music and Dance Festival for the past decade. The 11th edition kicked off with a soulful jugalbandi presented by the talented duo Debapriya Adhikary and Samanvya Sarkar, showcasing the harmonious convergence of sitar and vocal expressions. The inaugural day continued with a remarkable Odissi dance performance by renowned exponent Vidushi Sujata Mohapatra and her troupe at the Kamani Auditorium.
Debapriya Adhikary, a National and President’s Award winner, demonstrated his exceptional vocal prowess rooted in the Senia Gharana, while Samanvya Sarkar, an A-graded Sitarist, displayed a unique blend of Tantrakaari ang and gayaki ang, a testament to his early training in diverse gharanas.
The young duo of Debapriya and Samanvya, accompanied by talented tabla players Debajit Patitundi and Madhurjya Ranjan Barthakur, created magical moments on stage. The evening concluded with Sajal Koser and Guru Shobha Koser honoring the artists with mementos and uttriya, expressing gratitude to the distinguished audience, artists, and media for their unwavering support, making the 11th Guru M L Koser Festival an outstanding success. The festival not only celebrated the rich tapestry of Indian classical arts but also highlighted the collaborative brilliance of diverse artists, contributing to the cultural heritage of the nation.
Vidushi Sujata Mohapatra, a distinguished Odissi exponent, presented a captivating dance recital, starting with the traditional Manglacharan and progressing through Pallavi, abhinaya-based pieces, Dasavatar, and concluding with Mokshya in raag Bhairavi.
The 11th Guru M L Koser Festival of Music & Dance reached a resounding crescendo with an unforgettable display of musical prowess, featuring an outstanding drum and violin duet and a soulful vocal concert at the Kamani Auditorium. The two-day extravaganza, a musical odyssey of classical music and dance, showcased eminent artists who added unparalleled charm to the event.
Renowned harmonium player Pandit Devendra Verma, classical vocalist Pandit Suresh Gandharv, senior art critic Ravindra Mishra, Guru Rajendra Gangani, classical vocalist Amjad Ali Khan, tabla exponent Fateh Singh Gangani, violinist Ustad Asghar Hussain, classical singer Mohsin Khan, and tabla player Vinod Lele graced the occasion, highlighting the festival’s significance in promoting diverse artistic talents.
The 2nd day program commenced with the mesmerizing performance of Hindustani Classical Vocalist Indrani Mukherjee, a Khayal and Thumri exponent known for her mellifluous voice. Her rendition, featuring the Raga “Puriya” and a sublime Bhajan, captivated the audience. Drummer Ranjit Barot, a maestro in both mainstream Indian/world music and jazz fusion, showcased his dynamic solo, accompanied by the talented harmonium player Tanmay Deochake. The duo’s spellbinding rendition of the popular raga Charukeshi left the audience enthralled.
Deepak Pandit, an acclaimed Indian classical and fusion musician, showcased his virtuosity on the violin, demonstrating a profound understanding of diverse Gharana styles. The scintillating collaboration of Ranjit Barot, Deepak Pandit, and harmonium player Tanmay Deochake, embellished by prominent tabla player Prashant Sonagra, marked a fitting finale to the festival.