Pandit Debojyoti Bose: I see more politics in Indian Classical music Industry

Yasadu August 8, 2022 0Comments

Renowned Hindustani Classical music maestro and composer, Pandit Debojyoti Bose, was recently honored with the Banga Bibhushan, the highest state honour, for his exceptional contributions to the music industry. He is recognized as the only musician from Kolkata to have visited over 10 countries as an Indian cultural ambassador through the ICCR. Additionally, he has composed music for acclaimed movies, including those directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Shekar Das.

In addition to his musical accomplishments, Pandit Debojyoti Bose has directed numerous non-fiction television shows. His philanthropic journey began in the 1990s when he established his own organization, funding it himself until 2022. However, he has now shifted his focus to a full-time career as a politician-activist in order to expand his social work initiatives.

When questioned about his political involvement, Debojyoti expressed that he observes more politics within the Indian Classical Music Industry than in the mainstream social-political scene. He clarified that his interest in politics is minimal and his decision to join a political party is solely driven by his desire to serve the people. Regardless of whether he entertains them with music or engages in philanthropy, Debojyoti considers his life a service to the people of his country. He is grateful to the honorable Chief Minister for the convenience and support she has offered him, which motivated him to join her party. Debojyoti feels a sense of pride and surprise at becoming the first Hindustani classical musician to enter politics in the history of the field.

Looking ahead to his upcoming projects, the music maestro disclosed that he has been collaborating with renowned artists from Bengal on several singles that will be released before Durga Puja. He expresses deep gratitude for the industry’s warm acceptance of his return as a sarod player after a break. Debojyoti eagerly anticipates performing in concerts during the upcoming season. As the official convenor of the State Music Academy, he also intends to take the academy and its funds to rural areas of Bengal to promote music and discover new talents. While the pandemic hindered the activities of his foundation, he plans to revive it and embark on new ventures in the near future.

City student teaches Indian classical music to students across the globe

Yasadu June 4, 2022 0Comments

In 2018, Swapnali Gaikwad, a Marathwada native studying at MIT Vishwashanti Sangeet Kala Academy, began giving music lessons to support her studies at the University. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and safety regulations, she had to shift these classes to online platforms. Surprisingly, she received enrollments from various countries such as the US, UK, Australia, Germany, France, Pakistan, and Japan, with students who did not speak English signing up to learn Indian Classical Singing.

Since March 2020, Swapnali has successfully taught music to approximately 546 students worldwide. At present, more than 150 students are learning from her through online classes. One of her students, Neha Ganjoo, expressed her satisfaction, stating that learning classical music online was a wonderful experience. Despite initial skepticism, the teaching method made it feel like being in a traditional classroom. Additionally, these classes helped her cope with anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, Swapnali is taking a step further to assist aspiring young artists and folk artists from rural Maharashtra to establish themselves in the music industry. Her mission is to support musicians who have suffered financial losses due to the pandemic and to empower upcoming artists who aspire to succeed in the Indian Classical music industry.

Swapnali received assistance from a student named Mallav from Gujarat to formalize her online classes. She also aims to help artists monetize their work through online platforms, hoping that her artists will gain international recognition for their talents.

Indian classical music & dance festival enthrals Kolkata audiences

Yasadu March 29, 2022 0Comments

The inaugural edition of Naad, a music and dance festival, was held at a city auditorium from March 25 to 27. Renowned personalities from the Indian classical music and dance industry across the country showcased their talent under one roof.

The festival, directed by percussionist Bickram Ghosh, is a collaboration between a charitable public trust and his late father’s foundation, with the support of the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The aim of the festival is to present Indian music and promote different genres in the coming years. In its first year, the focus was on classical music, but the festival plans to incorporate other genres going forward. Ghosh has curated the festival to appeal to all generations, particularly the youth.

One of the highlights of the festival was the jugalbandis, or duets, between artists from North or East India and artists from South India. Pt Debashish Bhattacharya performed with Vidwan Rajhesh Vaidhya, while Vidwan S Sekhar showcased his talent alongside Pt Anindo Chatterjee. Another captivating performance featured Rakesh Chaurasia, who played the classical flute alongside percussionist Anubrata Chatterjee.

Pt Tejendra Narayan Majmdar expressed his excitement about the festival, emphasizing its unique concept. After a long break, live shows are finally making a comeback in our lives, and being a part of Naad is a breath of fresh air for performing artists like himself. The opportunity to perform in front of a live audience after such a hiatus is rejuvenating and invigorating.

Int’l travel curbs eased, musicians upbeat about performing again on foreign shores

Yasadu March 10, 2022 0Comments

Indian classical musicians are rejoicing as regular international flights resume from India after a two-year hiatus. With the spring and fall concert seasons disrupted, musicians are now exploring new destinations and alternative routes for their performances. Some are opting for countries like Senegal and Borneo, while others are taking the Pacific route to the US to avoid flying over Europe.

Recently, Pt Tanmoy Bose and Pt Bickram Ghosh traveled to London to perform at the delayed Shankar 100 event, which celebrated Pt Ravi Shankar’s centenary. Anoushka Shankar, the sitar virtuoso, played a prominent role in the event.

Musicians are also busy planning their US tours. Pt Tarun Bhattacharya is set to fly to the US on March 23 for seven concerts. He will travel from Delhi to Tokyo before heading to Los Angeles, opting for the Pacific route instead of flying over Russia. He further mentioned his upcoming US tour in July and September for the Banga Sammelan.

Foreign audiences have begun returning to Indian classical concerts, according to Bhattacharya. However, strict protocols are in place, requiring artists and audience members to undergo an RT-PCR test before the shows. Entry is only allowed when favorable results are received on their phones.

Pt Debashish Bhattacharya is heading to Borneo in Java for the Rainforest Festival in June, along with his daughter Anandi. Additionally, he has two concerts lined up in Canada. However, Bhattacharya expressed concerns about the current situation, as many organizers do not have sufficient budgets. This poses the risk of performers not receiving their proper fees, which also affects young musicians’ ability to ask for their deserved compensation.

Pt Anindo Chatterjee is planning performances in the US and Europe in October, while his son Anubrata is scheduled to perform with Ustad Rashid Khan in Dubai next week. Anubrata will also be heading to Senegal in May for the Taal-India with Lions of Africa project. The percussion project aims to bring together artists from Kerala, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan to collaborate with local drummers in Senegal, with Anubrata’s tabla acting as a bridge between them. He has also signed on to The Koto Tabla Project, where he will perform alongside Japanese Koto player Kumi Kurosawa in San Diego on December 22nd.

Indian Classical Music performance by Ustad Shujaat Khan

Yasadu February 25, 2022 0Comments

On February 20, the Museum of Goa will host a captivating evening of Indian Classical Music presented by the esteemed Ustad Shujaat Khan. This performance, organized by the Chaiti Arts Foundation, marks their inaugural event, aiming to merge the realms of Arts, Music, and Culture.

Ustad Shujaat Khan, hailing from the illustrious lineage of his father, Ustad Vilayat Khan, is an established maestro and Sitar player deeply rooted in the rich tradition of the Imdadkhani Gharaana of Indian classical music. With an extensive discography and performances spanning across the globe, Khan’s talent has been widely recognized. Notably, he was nominated for a Grammy award in the category of best world music album and was also invited to showcase his exceptional skills at the United Nations assembly hall.