8-year-old students Thaarun and Tharuni Recite Shlokas at the opening Ceremony
NEW YORK(TIP): The performance by dozens of internationally renowned artists at the International Music Festival organized by Sri Niketan, a sister of the decades old Shikshayatan run by Purnima Desai, one of the best known promoters of Indian classical music and dance traditions, cast a soothing spell on the audiences who applauded the performances by music maestros and dance performers.
The daylong program at the Ganesha Temple auditorium in Flushing, Queens was imaginatively crafted.
Opening ceremony was shloka recitation by 8 years old students Thaarun and Tharuni.
After that Anjan Saha , a renowned Sitarist accompanied by top Tabla artist Amit Chatterjee gave a splendid performance. Anjan Saha sitarist: Alaap, Jod Vilambit Gat and Drut Gat in Teen Taal in Raag Sindhu Bhairavi followed by Jhala, then Dhun in Raag Mishra Pilu.
Biplab Mukherjee sang Raga Sudhha Sarang and Komal Aangi Kafi and Tarana and after that divine song. He totally mesmerized the audience with his melodious voice.
Part two , the afternoon session saw great sarod player Apratim Majumdar with Amit Chatterjee on Tabla give a stellar performance. Their Jugalbandi was unique which won applause from the audience. Apratim Majumdar sang Raga Jatagi and Kirwani.
Sixteen students from Chandrika Kurup , principal instructor and choreographer of Noopura Institute of Indian classical dance s, performed various classical dances of India like Bharathanatyam, Kuchipudi and Mohini Yattam. They stole the hearts of all with their extraordinary performances. Their first performance was Pushpanjali; second item was Shanmuga Kautuvam in which the dancers praise Lord Murugha. The third item was Neeradha in Mohini Yattam style and the fourth was Tillana.
Abhik Mukherjee a well-known sitarist and Jay Gandhi on flute had the best Jugalbandi. In the third round . Abhik Mukherjee and Jay Gandhir sang Raaga Puria Dhyaneshri.
The entire program was admired by one and all in the audience. All artists were recognized for their extraordinary performances. The Sangeet Mahotsava will long be remembered for the variety of artists and their soulful presentations.
(Based on a Press Release)