Kathmandu:

The opulence of the Orient is celebrated in its myriad forms, and one of it is undeniably the eastern classical music, which despite the invasion of influences remains intact in its mellifluent majesty.

After a series of musical programmes on the first day of every Nepali month, Aarohan, Gurukul and BP Koirala Foundation in joint association featured sitar maestro Dr Dhrubesh Chandra Regmi along with the Pandit Homnath on February 13.

In a modest gathering of music aficionados, the musical evening began with compositions based on Raag Malkauns, with sitar strains serenading the thump of the tabla.

As the duo whetted the souls of the audience in raptures of elation as they performed raags that has been the identity of Regmi Gharana since generations, the musical offerings were greeted with intermittent bouts of ovation.

The duo on the audiences’ request also played a few popular compositions before they finally wrapped up the programme with a Pahaadi Raag.

To pay tributes to classical musicians, Yala Maya Kendra organised another classical programme on February 14. And though the strength of the audience was a bit disappointing, the musicians were determined to entertain the few that had turned up braving the rain and snow of Valentine’s Day.

During the first phase of the programme, Om Raj Bajracharya accompanied by Babin Bajracharya on sarod and Narendra Bajracharya on tabla, played their original compositions, while the later half featured Gyanendra Gorkhali on sitar accompanied Achutram Bhandari on tabla.

Music’s magical threads:

The chilling winter spree and the unrelenting downpour on Valentine’s Day had did not stop people from attending the pure classical sitar and tabla show, a breathtaking performance by Pandit Shalil Shankar on sitar and Navaraj Gurung on tabla at the Nepal Academy Hall. The programme was organised by Salil Kanika.

Pandit Shalil Shankar, requested the audience to close their eyes so that they could totally immerse themselves in his music. He started by playing an invocation, a prayer to Lord Shiva, an alaap – Jana Samohini. The melodious sounds that flowed from his sitar mesmerised the audience giving them a preview, an indication that the best is yet to come. After a long and exclusive performance by the maestro, he was joined by Gurung to play the concluding part of the alaap – Rupak Taal.

The magic woven by the two artistes was remarkable.

To mark Valentine’s Day, they played raag Sindhi Bhairabi and Panditji ingeniously merged other raags to create music which incorporated feelings and beauty within.

It was then followed by Yaman manch, which also consisted of an assortment of a number of raags to fabricate beautiful music which pleased everyone present. As the show progressed, the dexterity with which Panditji incessantly played his sitar led to a much deserved applause. Gurung demonstrated his skills on tabla complementing Panditji’s sitar as the two of them continuously kept the audience enraptured.

As Gurung put it, “I was a bit nervous in the beginning, but the way in which Panditji played the starting piece and got me attuned to it, my nervousness decreased and I felt very comfortable playing with him.I have been in this profession for the last 20 years but this is the first time I have performed with such a famous classical music artiste and is certainly a wonderful experience for me.”

Performing in Nepal for the first time, Panditji thanked Earthbeat for making his dream true

to come to this country.

“It was an amazing experience to play with Gurung. He was fantastic,” said Panditji.

An eye-catching backdrop was prepared by Juju Kaji Maharjan and 25 of his teammates in a day, specially for this musical event. The 90 feet long mural had paintings of feelings and subjects related to topics from all over the world.