Surmandal, an esteemed organization dedicated to the promotion of music for over 55 years, recently hosted the Triveni - Music & Dance Festival Season 2 at Ravindra Bharathi, Hyderabad. The event brought together celebrated artists and enthralled audiences with its rich tapestry of classical music and dance.
The festival was inaugurated by Mrs. Shailaja Ramaiyer, IAS. Before the performances began, the audience observed two minutes of silence as a mark of respect for the late Ustad Zakir Hussain, a legendary figure in Indian classical music.
Kathak Recital by Mukti Shri
The evening opened with an enchanting Kathak recital by Smt. Mukti Shri Mukku, accompanied by a talented ensemble of artists: Akshay Kulkarni on Tabla, Krushna Salunke on Pakhawaj, Suranjan Khandolkar on vocals, Yashwant Thitte on Harmonium, and Anvi Shri providing Padhant.
Mukti Shri commenced her performance with Ram Vandana, an invocation to Lord Rama, followed by the intricate Taal Pancham Sawari, a challenging 15-beat rhythm cycle reserved for experts. Her performance concluded with two soulful compositions in Raag Abhogi: Sapne Mein Aaye Shaam, evoking Krishna in dreams, and Laaj Rakho Mori, a plea to preserve dignity.
Her mastery over Taal Pancham Sawari and Ektaal, a 12-beat cycle, was evident as she vividly depicted the emotional journeys of Radha and Meera, captivating the audience with her storytelling and rhythmic precision.
Jugalbandi: A Spectacular Fusion
The highlight of the evening was a mesmerizing Jugalbandi featuring Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan on the sitar and Vidwan Shashank Subramaniam on the Carnatic flute, accompanied by Ojas Adhiya on Tabla and Satish Patri on Mridangam.
Their repertoire included compositions in Raag Charukeshi set to Taal Roopak, Addha Teentaal, and Teen Taal, followed by a soulful Bhatyali Dhun, culminating in Raag Bhairavi. The rhythmic interplay during the Taniyavartanam percussion duet left the audience spellbound.
Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan’s Solo Performance
Padma Shri Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan, a maestro of the Imdadkhani Gharana, captivated the audience with his sitar performance. He began with Raag Kirwani, presenting an Alap, Jod, and Jhala, followed by a Gat set to Taal Roopak and Addha Teentaal.
As a leading exponent of the Etawah Gharana, Ustad Shahid Parvez represents the seventh generation of a lineage that includes stalwarts like Imdad Khan, Enayat Khan, and Vilayat Khan. His performances, both in India and globally, have established him as a synonym for the sitar.
About Mukti Shri
Hyderabad-based Kathak dancer Mukti Shri views her art as a form of worship. Her illustrious career includes performances at prestigious venues like the Barbican Centre and South Bank Centre in the UK and participation in international festivals across Switzerland, Turkey, France, and Germany. Her dedication has earned her global recognition and acclaim.
Legacy of Triveni Festival
The Triveni Festival was conceptualized by Shri Mohan Hemmadi as a tribute to three icons of Indian classical music: Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Allah Rakha Khan, and Smt. M.S. Subbulakshmi.
Today, the festival is organized in loving memory of Smt. Anuradha Hemmadi and Shri Mohan Hemmadi by his son, Siddharth Hemmadi. Supported by Telangana Tourism and Canara Bank, Triveni - Season 2 paid a fitting tribute to the timeless traditions of Indian music and dance, leaving the audience yearning for more.
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