Organised by Behala Sanskritik Sammilani, the four-day annual Behala Classical Festival, in association with The Telegraph, is one of the most anticipated cultural events in the city every winter. The 11th edition of the festival that concluded on January 10, witnessed performances by renowned classical music exponents including Purbayan Chatterjee (sitar), Malyaban Chatterjee (vocal), Basant Kabra (sarod) and Bickram Ghosh (tabla).
Melodious, rejuvenating classical strains and beats from the instruments of these maestros filled the air and created an ethereal atmosphere on the grounds of Behala Blind School, where the festival was being held. The festival was attended by classical music lovers of all ages, who enjoyed the enchanting amalgamation of tunes, rhythms and melodies that uplifted the mind and spirit. Earlier, eminent tabla player Pandit Swapan Chowdhury was honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards by the organisers on the inaugural day of the festival. Snapshots.
“From 2013 we have been hosting this event to spread the love for classical music in the city and to get many people involved in culture. We have received enormous love and support from people, artistes as well as sponsors. This is the reason that we still continue with this event and hope that we can do so in the coming years,” said Sandipan Banerjee, secretary of Behala Sanskritik Sammilani.
Purbayan Chatterjee was one of the star performers of the evening. A regular in the concert circuit, he is known for his ability to build an instant rapport with his audience. Each of his recitals in Raga Kedar and Raga Gauti were met with thunderous ovation. “It is ingrained in our DNA to express ourselves through music. I too have been expressing myself creatively through my music since childhood. Though I have been travelling a lot for performances, I feel fresh and revitalised because of my music. It is my vital source of energy,” the sitar player said.
