News
India
UK born Rishi Banerjee enthralls audience with Tagore concert in Kolkata
09 Mar 2016, 05:07 am
Kolkata, Mar 9 (NITN) UK born Rabindrasangeet vocalist Rishi Banerjee made a quick stop in Kolkata to present a unique concept ‘Then sings my soul’, exploring the special relationship between Rabindranath and his nieces Indira Devi Choudhurani and Sarala Devi.
Both nieces of the bard had made significant contributions to Rabindranath’s repertoire and this was a fascinating journey.
Veteran exponent Pramita Mallick, who began the evening by explaining how Rishi had come to her with the concept, said that she couldn't resist putting the programme together for him especially as she had a close connection to Indira Devi.
Rishi presented a mixture of Rabindrasangeet, a Hindi classical bandish and two western compositions.
He began the evening ushering in Spring with ‘Bishwa Bina Robe’ before effortlessly performing a wonderful of selection of songs which included: ‘Aju Morana Bana Bole’, 'Ave Maria,' ‘Shokatore Oi Kandicche,’ ‘Eki Labanye Purno Praan,’ ‘Kon Alote Praner Pradeep,’ the rarely heard or sung ‘Boro Bedonar Moto’ and the evergreen ‘Anandadhara Bahicche Bhubone’ set to Mishra Malkosh.
Pramita Mallick delivered an innovative yet informative snapshot into how Rabindranath was exposed to different types of music throughout his life through various memoirs, letters and stories from his nieces. Her natural ability to tell the story was engrossing and added another dimension to the evening.
Rishi’s vocal performance demonstrated maturity and thought into the songs and their philosophies. The performance which captured the heart and mind of the audience was undoubtedly ‘Boro Bedonar Moto’ with many about to shed a tear by the end.
The musical accompaniment was also worth noting. Led by Subrata Mukherjee, it was well balanced and made a change from the norm of seeing a crowd of musicians on stage drowning the voice.
Rishi added: "I am truly honoured that Mashi [Mallick] agreed to help me with this concept. I couldn't have done any of this without her."
"I have been thinking about this concept for a long and I'm glad we could present it in Kolkata for the very first time. Many still believe that Rabindrasangeet is stuck in the past but this programme demonstrates there is still so much to learn about him and his creative genius," he told IBNS.
The evening was a sign that Tagore’s works do have a bright future here and abroad.
(Reporting by Sujoy Dhar)
More News
- Union Budget 2025: Laxman Jaiswal calls depreciating rupee, declining stock market as critical challenges faced by Indian economy
- Rotary Club of Calcutta Metro City to support patients at the Thalassaemia Society of India
- Sona SPEED partners Sarla Aviation to design-make critical components for eVTOL air taxi
- Women decide Indian elections now: Veteran journalist Rajdeep Sardesai at Kitaab event in Kolkata
- Aurko unveils Vakratunda: A universal peace anthem to celebrate 25 years of musical legacy
- Saroj Nalini Dutt Memorial Association hosts grand fashion and food exhibition to kick-off centenary celebrations in Kolkata
- Garuda Shopping Festival: Kunal Ganjawala mesmerises Bengaluru with his dazzling performance
- Rotary Club of Calcutta Metro City partners with British Deputy High Commission to celebrate leadership in disability cricket
- HireMee launches career navigation assessment for school students
- Garuda Shopping Festival: Zubeen Garg mesmerises Bangalore
IndiGo connects Bengaluru t ...
Indian airline IndiGo has announced the launch of daily direct flights connecting Bengaluru, Karnataka with Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, effective from December 31, 2024.
Jazeera Airways offers 50% ...
Jazeera Airways, Kuwait’s leading low-cost carrier, is offering 50% off on fares to all destinations across its network from July 28 to 31.
Air India Express launches ...
New Delhi : Air India Express, a subsidiary of Air India and a part of the Tata group, has launched its "Time to Travel" sale on the airline’s website, airindiaexpress.com, the Air India Express mobile app and other major booking channels.