KATHMANDU:

Classical music band Dafa is not only taking Nepali classical music to the world but also involved in preserving and promoting the genre. The band has some of the best known names in the classical music scene Prabhu Raj Dhakal (vocals), Suresh Raj Bajracharya (sarod), Milan Tandukar (violin) and Rabin Lal Shrestha (tabala). Apart from reviving classical music here, they are also bringing forgotten classical musicians and honouring veteran classical musicians.

After honouring musician Kumar Lal Shrestha in 2007, this year they honoured tabala and harmonium maestro Ram Hari Gurung at a programme organised at the Nepal Music Centre on November 29. Talking about the initiatives they have taken to honour the musicians Dhakal said, “This is something we are very proud about. They have given so much to the Nepali music industry but their contribution has not got the recognition they deserve. We don’t have any financial aid to do so but have organised the programme from the funds we raised through the sale of our new album in Germany and Austria during our recent tour.”

Chief guest at the event was Kumar Lal Shrestha gave a certificate of appreciation to Gurung. Gurung, who has been involved in music for more than 70 years and worked in Radio Nepal for 26 years said, “I am all of 81 now, but still cannot give up music and actively participate if

anything comes up.

Once you get into music there is no turning back. I am very happy that this generation is doing something for classical music and receiving an honour from Shrestha is great. We learnt from the same guru Sangeet Siromani Ganesh lal Shrestha.”

Getting into the mood of the event even Gurung could not stop himself from getting on the stage and performed a song along with the band. — HNS