A programme featuring Tagore songs and readings based on the monsoon — Megher Porey Megh — was presented at Madhusudan Mancha on July 27. Spearheaded by Subrata Sengupta (picture), Saptaswara adopted a conventional style but was able to maintain a high standard. After the inaugural chorus song by the students of the institution, Srikanta Acharya took the stage. His rendition of Aji barishano mukharito was enjoyable. He was followed by Purba Dam, who presented a recital. This was a rare, and hence golden, opportunity to listen to this experienced and eloquent singer. Be it Amar din phuralo or Aji jhorer raate, the artist displayed an unmistakable poise. Subrata Sengupta began his recital with Eki gobhir bani elo. He followed it up with Jharo jharo borishe bari dhara. His diction was rounded and pronunciation clear. Sengupta also created a joyous mood with Pagla hawa badol dine.

Bratati Bandyopadhyay started her performance with Meghla dine and celebrated the beauty of rains through Hriday amar nachere ajike. Agniva Bandyopadhyay’s experience saw him through in Kichhu bolbo bole esechhilem. The song, Timir abgunthane, had its own charm as well. Srabani Sen, the last artist of the evening, began her recital with Chhaya ghanaichhe bone bone, which was requested by the audience. It was heartening to see a gathering of serious-minded Rabindrasangeet enthusiasts who were knowledgeable and possessed refined taste. The artists were ably accompanied by Subrata Mukhopadhyay and Sourav Chakraborty (key-board), Goutam Chowdhury (tabla) and Sandipan Ganguly (violin). The entire programme was conducted by Sukumar Ghosh.

Aasthaee presented the closing ceremony of the 150th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore at Rabindra Sadan on July 23. The students of the institution presented Khapchhara, Robibar, Chhutir Dine as well as Khyatir Birambona. Sudarshana Bhattacharya selected Sadharan meye and Jhorer kheya for her recital. Excerpts from Bisarjon were also presented.

The artists included Amalendu Bhattacharya, Chandramouli Bandyopadhyay, Tapati Adhikari and Soumitra Mitra. Srabani Sen’s rendition of Chokher aloe dekhechhilem reminded the audience of her equally gifted mother, Sumitra Sen.