Bhubaneswar, Nov. 9: Even at 77, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia justifies what eminent vocalist Pandit Jasraj had earlier said in his praise.
" Hari ne jisko prasad mein apni bansuri de di, use Hariprasad kehte hai (Hariprasad is the person whom Lord Hari has given His flute)," Jasraj had said in a jugalbandi musical event, where he had performed with Chaurasia.
In sync with the vocalist's praise, Chaurasia enthralled the audience with the magic of his flute at Spic Macay Virasat Nirvana concert held at the Sai International School yesterday.
Some of the country's most respected musicians, including Grammy-winner Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, performed at the event.
The youngsters in the audience were amused to hear Chaurasia speaking in fluent Odia.
"I was surprised to know that he had spent his youth in Cuttack and was an artiste at the All India Radio here," said Class X student Nirlipta Pati. The veteran flautist charmed the students with some mellifluous compositions and Odia folk tunes. He also played popular English rhymes, much to the amusement of the youth.
Besides, Mohan Veena inventor Hindustani classical instrumentalist Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt's performance was another highlight of the concert. He played compositions on his unique hybrid instrument - a combination of guitar, sitar and veena.
Vocalist duo Rajan and Sajan Mishra also received rave response from the audience. The brothers presented folk and classical songs. Among other prominent artistes at the concert were Shruti Sadolikar and Pandit Uday Bhawalkar.
Around 1,200 people, including around 700 students from several schools and colleges such as DAV Chandrasekharpur, Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 5, ODM School, Niser, IIT Bhubaneswar, Xavier Institute of Management-Bhubaneswar, IMB, XUB and Centurion, attended the event. The audience also included artistes of Bhubaneswar, music lovers and professionals.
Spic Macay founder Kiran Seth was also present. "Spic Macay was founded to re-introduce Indian music to the youth. Through such concerts, it has worked magic in creating an awareness among the youth about recognising and respecting their own culture," he said.
