Music aficionados were treated to some of the finest tunes, and that too by maestros themselves, at Barkha Ritu, the monsoon music festival, organised by Banyan Tree, recently. On the occasion, M Venkatesh Kumar and Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia delighted the audience with their soulful performances.
The hall was jam-packed. The event began with the performance of Venkatesh, who sung some melodious songs, which were just right for the season. Gifted with a mellifluous, robust and vibrant voice, rich in tradition and deep in devotion, Venkatesh set a perfect tone for the event. He has effectively inherited the kirana and the Gwalior gharana singing styles with all their nuances.
His vast experience and deep-rooted commitment has made him a name to reckon with.
Next was the most awaited performance of the evening. Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, one of the most sought-after musicians of the country made a grand entry. He started his performance with Raag Malhar. The internationally-acclaimed maestro, Hari ji, as he is lovingly called, left the audience spellbound with his magic on flute.
Audiences drenched themselves in the soothing tunes of the flautist. A recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, he has several titles and awards to his credit. "I feel so proud that I am here at Hari ji's concert. I have been his fan since childhood and I was waiting for this moment," said Shravani who had come for the performance.
Another member of the audience, Swetha, said she did not want to miss this concert. "Venkatesh and Hari ji are performing. I can't afford to miss the event. Since I've learnt Carnatic music, I adore both of them," she said.
Apart from Indian classical music Chaurasia has also contributed significantly in various other genres like innovative world music ensembles and has made
his contribution to Hindi films.
Apart from criss-crossing the globe for live concerts, he also dedicates his time in imparting knowledge to students. In fact, he has established a gurukul called Vrindavan in Mumbai where students from anywhere in the world can live and study the art of playing flute.
True to its name, Barkha Ritu was an event apt for the season. It was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience and left them craving for more.
The hall was jam-packed. The event began with the performance of Venkatesh, who sung some melodious songs, which were just right for the season. Gifted with a mellifluous, robust and vibrant voice, rich in tradition and deep in devotion, Venkatesh set a perfect tone for the event. He has effectively inherited the kirana and the Gwalior gharana singing styles with all their nuances.
His vast experience and deep-rooted commitment has made him a name to reckon with.
Next was the most awaited performance of the evening. Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, one of the most sought-after musicians of the country made a grand entry. He started his performance with Raag Malhar. The internationally-acclaimed maestro, Hari ji, as he is lovingly called, left the audience spellbound with his magic on flute.
Audiences drenched themselves in the soothing tunes of the flautist. A recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, he has several titles and awards to his credit. "I feel so proud that I am here at Hari ji's concert. I have been his fan since childhood and I was waiting for this moment," said Shravani who had come for the performance.
Another member of the audience, Swetha, said she did not want to miss this concert. "Venkatesh and Hari ji are performing. I can't afford to miss the event. Since I've learnt Carnatic music, I adore both of them," she said.
Apart from Indian classical music Chaurasia has also contributed significantly in various other genres like innovative world music ensembles and has made
his contribution to Hindi films.
Apart from criss-crossing the globe for live concerts, he also dedicates his time in imparting knowledge to students. In fact, he has established a gurukul called Vrindavan in Mumbai where students from anywhere in the world can live and study the art of playing flute.
True to its name, Barkha Ritu was an event apt for the season. It was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience and left them craving for more.