Kathmandu:

Marking the sixth anniversary of The Rising Creator and the anniversary of the Nepal Russia Surikov Arts Club, a troupe of musicians rendered the compositions of Narayan Gopal and Gopal Yonjan at the ‘Shubharambha: The Musical Journey’ series on January 15 at Russian Culture Centre hall.

Gopal and Yonjan were a dyanmic combination who together redefined the Nepali musical world giving us evergreen songs that never seem to grow old.

And Satya-Swaroop Acharya, Shailesh Singh and Samal Jagadish did not disappoint the audience who had gathered to hear the ageless melodies.

As the strains and words of songs like Timro jasto mutu mero pani, Dwita phool Deurali ma, Shikhar bhane kahan kahan, Chinari hamro dherai purano... wafted, the listeners were held spellbound and many an eye sported tears as the legends were brought back to life in these songs.

Yonjan’s brother Karma, who attended the function, said he vividly remembered the days spent with Gopal Yonjan and Narayan Gopal. “I can vividly picture how we used to sing and play at Kalamandir,” Karma said recalling those days Having seen the day’s talented performance, he expressed his delight saying, “I am glad the Nepali music world has such talented artists who have inspired me to compose more songs for them.”

Lyricist Nagendra Thapa was also present. Thapa is the person who played a major role bringing Narayan Gopal and Gopal Yonjan together. Yonjan finally established Narayan Gopal as an icon in the contemporary Nepali music world.

According to Prakash Sayami, art critic, there are only 138-recorded songs of Narayan Gopal available so far. “However, they are more than enough to make him live in the minds and hearts of the Nepalis forever.”

‘Subharambha: The Musical Journey’ is held the first Sunday of every month and it is a sincere attempt by those involved to preserve the ‘old’ contemporary Nepali songs and introduce the younger generation to these melodies.