Bhubaneswar, May 23: Flautist Abhiram Nanda regaled the city audience with his bansuri spell to pay tribute to legendary poet Kabichandra Kali Charan Pattanayak.

Nanda’s performance, which lasted for a little more than an hour, was rife with melody and divinity. He began the evening with raga Bageshri based on Roopak taal.

The flautist brought to the fore the emotions of a sad woman waiting to reunite with her lover. Nanda’s music had the sublime pain and forlornness of a lover.

The entire auditorium listened in silent approval as the flautist played on.

His second and last performance was on raga Mishra Pilu, inspired from his guru Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia.

This was a light devotional music item.

Assisting Nanda on the tabla was Kulamani Sahoo and Sursarita Raut on tanpura.

Sahoo’s jugalbandi with the flautist made the evening even more engaging.

Trained under the tutelage of eminent flautist Pandit Mohini Mohan Patnaik and later Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Nanda’s talent has helped him create a name for himself among the most renowned flautists of the world.

He has travelled all over the world showcasing his innate talent and has received rave reviews from his audience.

He is also the most popular flute accompanist for Odissi dancers on their tours.

“Flute is one of the most ancient instruments in the world and it has such a soothing effect that despite its increasing age, it has a mounting popularity,” said Nanda.

Flute, he said, is the most integral part of Odissi classical music as most of the ragas and even dance performances are based on tales of Lord Krishna.

But Nanda does not believe in restricting his talent to the classical sphere. He has been a part of several Indo-American jazz music projects, with Mango Blossoms Unveiled being his latest release.

The concert organised by Bhubaneswar Music Circle saw singer Nazia Alam in its guest list.

“We love Nanda’s music. He has a magic in his performance,” said the young vocalist.