Young maestros and classical stalwarts shine at a city baithak

Celebrating the enduring vitality of India’s classical arts, Pracheen Kala Kendra hosted the 31st quarterly baithak of its ongoing series Legends of Tomorrow at Triveni Kala Sangam, drawing connoisseurs for an evening of refined music and tradition.Raga Bhopali to Yamni Basant: The performances at the baithakThe programme opened with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by distinguished guests including Devendra Verma and Debashish Adhikary, setting a reverent tone for the performances that followed.Vocalist Rashmi Choudhary commenced the baithak with Raag Bhopali, unfolding it through a traditional alaap before presenting a vilambit composition in ek taal, Aalijhalke muskan tori. She followed this with a bandish in teen taal, Sanjh bhayi ghar aaye aaj kaise chook bhayi, which was warmly received by the audience.Her recital then moved into the rare and intricate raga Yamni Basant, featuring compositions by Acharya Brihaspati, including Bhanak bhanak pari more kanan and Koo koo koyaliya boli re. She concluded with a festive Hori in Mishra Kafi, Mope rang fir darore banwari, bringing lyrical colour to the performance. She was ably accompanied by tabla player Pankaj Choudhary and harmonium exponent Devendra Verma, whose sensitive support enhanced the recital.

The evening then shifted to rhythmic brilliance as tabla maestro Ilmas Khan of the Lucknow gharana took the stage. Beginning with a traditional peshkar, he gradually built the performance through expansive improvisation, crisp kaidas, intricate parans, gats, relas, tihais and a compelling chakradar, showcasing the expressive breadth of the 16-beat cycle. His presentation also included vibrant compositions characteristic of the Lucknow gharana tradition.

Sarangi artist Ghanshyam Sisodia provided evocative accompaniment, adding depth and texture to the recital.The evening concluded with the felicitation of the artistes, who were presented with mementoes and scrolls of honour, marking another successful edition of the Kendra’s ongoing effort to nurture and celebrate classical excellence.