Eminent Hindustani classical vocalist Sunanda Patnaik performs at an event organised by Bhubaneswar Music Circle in the capital. Telegraph picture

Bhubaneswar, Nov. 21: It was a special occasion for music lovers in the state as the revered vocalist and composer, Sunanda Patnaik, performed in the capital almost after a decade on Saturday evening.

Even at the age of 77, she left the audience mesmerised at the Bhubaneswar Music Circle’s annual music festival.

The legendary classical singer performed a Hindustani repertoire that was accentuated with resonant beats of Ustad Sabir Khan’s tabla. Patnaik started off with Saja singara Hari darasana lagi chalo sakhi on a vilambit taal or slow pace.

She presented the composition with depth and gave an unpredictable lead at times to the tabla maestro to keep up with her singing on the rhythm.

The jugalbandi won a series of applause from the audience for Patnaik’s articulate expressions challenging her instrumental accompanists who in turn stood out for their brilliant performance.

Patnaik’s rendition continued with a madhya taal composition, Jita samajhaun man samajhata naahin. Her disciples Suparna Das Mohapatra, Dolly Behera and Saparna Basu accompanied her for vocal support while Bijay Mishra played sarangi and Hiranmayi Maitra accompanied her on harmonium during the recital.

The lively performance went ahead with a tarana followed by a Kabir bhajan composed by Patnaik. The touching devotional song, Har panghat pe bheed jami hai was presented with intensity by the singer.

“When we talk of bhajans we mostly recite names of the different forms of God. But this song talks of the philosophical analysis of the human nature,” said Patnaik.

Based in Calcutta now, she alleged: “Odisha had forgotten me during my hay days in music.”

She later added: “Even if I may not visit the state frequently, my heart belongs to Odisha. Moreover, I was here to perform at Ravenshaw University a couple of months back and was pleased to see that Odisha has grown. I wish our people uphold the essence of our culture and not run after namesake traditions. Odia people must work hard to uphold our pirde.”

The first presentation of the evening was an Odissi rendition by Nimakanta Routray and Sukanta Kundu. In the rasanga segment, Kundu first presented a raga Kirwani composition followed by Gita Govinda on raga Kalabati. Routray also presented a Gita Govinda Nindati chandanam indu after which a natyanga duet was followed by the singers.

On Sunday evening, clarinet player Pandit Narasinghalu Vadavati enthralled the city audience by performing a series of Hindustani compositions.

Eminent vocalist Shantidhara Mishra also regaled the audience present at the event with her rendition.