(From top) TN Krishnan performs at the festival, artistes present Orissi and Kathak dance recitals. Pictures by Sarat Patra

Bhubaneswar, Feb. 22: The ensemble of musical notes of the Carnatic violin, rhythmic beats of the tabla and graceful movements of Odissi, Bihu, Kathak and Rajasthani folk dance caught the attention of viewers in at the 26th Konark Dance and Music festival.

On at the Konark Natya Mandap in Konark, on Sunday the festival witnessed the magic of yet another eminent maestro of music — Carnatic violinist T.N. Krishnan.

The day, following tradition, began with the Mangal Vadya, Panchadeva Stutee and Gangadhar Vandana and then the 83-year-old maestro took the stage. T.N. Krishnan is one of the most acclaimed violinists today and has performed all over the world in his 75-year musical journey. Known for his ability to take the listener on a nostalgic trip down memory lane with his light and expressional music, he immediately gripped the crowd with his enchanting repertoire.

“My recital today is dedicated to Guru Gangadhar Pradhan. He was a visionary to have begun a confluence of music and dance through this festival and I will play in his memory,” he said.

He started off with the vibrant Jay Jayanti raga and then moved on to the soothing raga Abheri. T.N. Krishnan concluded with the Hindustani raga Kaafi that charmed the listeners.

“The music was soulful and touched the strings of the heart. One could sit for hours this way, listening to T.N. Krishnan’s violin in this fascinating atmosphere of music and dance,” said Arpita Sahoo, who was among the audience.

The cultural evening continued with an enthralling Odissi sequence presented by dancers from Konark Natya Mandap, followed by a Bihu recital by Assamese dancer Pravin Saikia and his troupe.

On Monday, the students of Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya stole the show by presenting a captivating recital of Mayurbhanj Chhou. Kathak dancers of Nadam, Bangalore, also showcased an interesting performance by using the stage in innovative ways. Choreographers of the piece, Muralimohan Kalva and Nadini Mehta, dedicated the performance to Guru Pradhan. Rajasthani folk dance of snake charmers, Kalbelia enthralled the audience.

The festival will conclude on February 23 with performances by eminent flautist Pandit Ronu Mojumdar and Odissi and Chhou dances by artistes from Bhubaneswar and Bengal.