(From top) Chief minister Naveen Patnaik takes a look at a sculpture displayed at the ongoing art exhibition at Utkal University of Culture, visitors take a look at the artwork and students of the university regale the audience with an impressive repertoire of different forms of Indian classical music during World Music Day celebrations. Pictures by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, June 22: A confluence of various forms of Indian classical music brought together by young artistes and eminent gurus made the World Music Day celebrations at the Utkal University of Culture a grand affair.

Adding to the impressive musical repertoire was an art exhibition that included creative paintings and sculptures. Flute maestro Pandit Mohini Mohan Patnaik’s innovative and mesmerising composition dedicated to the various seasons of the year opened the musical evening.

Directing his young disciples, Patnaik’s instrumental sonata lifted the spirits of the audience who gathered at the varsity despite showers.

A variety of instruments such as tabla, mardala, violin, flute, harmonium, casio and veena were used to create the perfect effect of each season one after another.

While the symphony began with raga Hindol to depict the cuckoo’s call during summer, raag Megha was played by the artistes for the rainy season.

Raga Desh illustrated the magic of autumn as raga Hemanta did for the pre-winter season. Raga Vibhas and raga Basanta gave a musical picture of winter and spring, respectively. The audience was regaled by the masterpiece of the flute guru.

“Pandit Patnaik’s composition was a magical experience. It engulfed various moods as the instruments were played in varying pace to portray different seasons,” said Sangeeta Mishra, a viewer.

Following this piece was another impressive rendition by young Odissi vocalists who began their repertoire with the invocation of goddess Harchandi by reciting a Harachandi Malashree.

The classical medley then moved on to raga Chandrakanta on ek-tali. The concluding phase was a vibrant pallavi, executed with brilliant synchronisation by the vocalists as well as the senior mardala players and other instrumentalists accompanying them.

A Hindustani group recital and a solo santoor recital by Pandit Mohini Mohan Patnaik were also presented on the occasion to celebrate World Music Day.

The art exhibition held throughout the varsity campus was equally soul-stirring. Young art students of the varsity, showcased paintings based on music and other themes. One could find watercolour and acrylic paintings illustrating the difference in music and noise.

Similarly, sculptures formed with a contemporary touch depicted stringed musical instruments. The artistic creativity added to the ambience of the musical festivity.

“Art and music walk hand in hand. They speak the language of the heart and have the power to convey messages that remain with people for a long time. We artists thus dedicated our work to music on the occasion of World Music Day,” said artist Amiya Ghadei.