Nanda performs at Indira Gandhi Park. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Jan. 24: Tunes of the flute cast its spell on music lovers of the city at Indira Gandhi Park.

During another episode of the unique initiative of presenting classical music in the park by the Bhubaneswar Music Circle, well-known flautist Himanshu Nanda performed some soulful compositions yesterday evening.

As the programme, Music in the Park, commenced, Nanda began with a rendition on Madhuvanti, a pre-sunset raga, befitting the timing of his recital. It set a poignant and romantic ambience in the park with fountains and colourful lighting blending with the floral beauty of the garden, where the stage was set up with a seating arrangement for the public.

The solo recital began with the traditional style of an introductory phase of the raga with only the flute playing initially, and later, the tabla rhythms added to the joyous musical experience when accompanist Sandeep Rout joined in. As the pace of both the tabla beats and the vibrant tunes grew, the audience listened and enjoyed the musical rendezvous in the park.

“We have been conducting three programmes in the park every year since long to relive the ancient Indian tradition of musical programmes in natural settings. We are glad that the audience in the park loves and appreciates the experience every time,” said general secretary of the Bhubaneswar Music Circle Khirod Patnaik.

Apart from the raga, Nanda also presented miniature compositions from his creations such as Nava Rasa to Rama Rasa, Chinmaya Vani Vadya Vrinda and so on. Winner of the Sur Mani and Yuva Pratibha Samman awards, the flautist belongs to the family of artists as uncle Srinivas Udgata, a noted painter, author and former president of the Odisha Sahitya Akademi and painter Sarat Chandra Rath, who is former president of the Odisha Lalit Kala Akademi.

“I am extremely delighted to be performing in my hometown and see the enthusiasm for classical music growing among the younger generation here,” said Nanda.

The next concert in the series will be hosted on February 27.