Rekha Surya performs in Bhubaneswar. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Dec. 7: Her silky voice reminded of the queen of ghazals, Begum Akhtar and her melancholy ghazals stirred the soul of the listeners. Singer Rekha Surya’s semi-classical Hindustani rendition amid the flower gardens at Indira Gandhi Park in the city on Monday evening was a heavenly experience for connoisseurs of light classical music.

Organised by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations and Bhubaneswar Music Circle, the concert was conducted in the pleasant ambience of the park where Rekha, the youngest disciple of the legendary Begum Akhtar, left her audience spellbound with an astounding repertoire of thumris and its allied forms.

“Thumris have been an integral part of Hindustani music for centuries. When merged with Urdu poetry, they create an enchanting blend,” said Rekha. She added that she belonged to Lucknow and had been raised in the environment of thumri, dadra and Sufiana music. “I find the city of Bhubaneswar sharing the essence of Sufi music. There is spirituality and romance in the city that become one in its lifestyle, just like Sufiana compositions,” she said.

Rekha rendered a series of poems by Amir Khusro, Kabir and folk songs from her region in her emphatic voice. From elements of Qawali to passionate spiritualism and even romantic mischief, the singer reflected various styles in her rendition. It was her last ghazal, Humri atariya pe aavo sanwariya, sung in traditional Banarasi style, that left the listeners drenched in romantic imageries.

“Her voice resonated like the sound from musical instruments. I had come for my evening walk in the park but was surprised to see such a wonderful event going on here. I was lucky to have got a chance to listen to the disciple of legends like Girija Devi and Shobha Gurtu,” said Pritima Swain, a member of the audience.

The organisers promised the audience to bring more such well-known artistes to perform at the park. “The concept of holding musical concerts in the park was introduced last year in the city. It has received a brilliant response and we were surprised to see youngsters lining up to listen to traditional singing,” said Mahendra Mishra of Bhubaneswar Music Circle. “We will be soon organising more instrumental concerts to popularise Hindustani music,” he added.