Girija Devi performs at a concert

Aug. 13: The mellifluous voice of vocalist Girija Devi will be the harbinger of a fresh attempt to revive classical music in the city, for the members of the Assam Sangeet Sanmilani.

Girija Devi will perform at a series of concerts organised by the club at Pragjyoti ITA Cultural Complex in Machkhowa on September 15.

“We are grateful to Girijaji for honouring our request. Despite her busy schedule, she has agreed to perform for us and support our mission. We are on a fresh quest to revive the club’s good old days and present the best of classical music before music lovers,” said Parash Kumar Bhattacharjee, secretary of the club.

The club, founded in 1970, was instrumental in promoting classical music and concerts were organised on a daily basis in the city during the seventies and eighties.

“But unavoidable circumstances forced the club to remain defunct for 20 years. Now we want to revive its lost glory and carry on with our legacy of promoting various genres of Indian music,” added Bhattacharjee.

The club is also planning to invite classical singer Parveen Sultana, followed by tabla maestro Zakir Hussain.

“But lack of finances are a major hurdle in organising shows. The concept of sponsorship for cultural events is yet to take firm footing and government agencies are often unwilling to support us. We have to bear all the expenses on our own. But with support from connoisseurs we are hopeful of building a strong musical platform in the city,” said Bhattacharjee.

The club is currently trying to reach out to corporate bodies to sponsor the concert. The sponsorship will ensure that the club could provide free passes for those who cannot afford the tickets.

The tickets are priced between Rs 200 and Rs 500.

“Initially we want to provide free or low-cost passes for the audiences. But without sponsorship, it would be difficult for us to do so. We are hopeful that within a month we will be able to arrange for sponsorship,” said Bhattacharjee.

Girija Devi, aged 78, belongs to the Banaras gharana of singers. Known for her effortless rendition of thumri, she is equally adept at different genres of Hindustani vocal music including khayal, dadra, chaiti and kajari.

Her first performance in 1949 from All India Radio, Allahabad, was highly appreciated.

A number of awards have been conferred upon her, including the Padmashree in 1972, the Padma Bhushan in 1989, the Tansen award, conferred by the Madhya Pradesh government, the Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan award in 1966 and the Sangeet Natak Kala Akademi Awards from Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.