Classical treat

SD Sharma

With a view to encourage propagation of classical arts among the masses, especially the youth, the Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi (CSNA) is organising a three-day classical music and dance festival. We will witness some of the promising young performers destined to be the legends of tomorrow. 

On May 21, there will be a classical vocal concert by Dr Diwakar Kashyap and Dr Prabhakar Kashyap. Born and raised in a musical family, both Diwakar and Prabhakar Kashyap, who now hold doctoral degrees and status of A grade of AIR, Doordarshan and ICCR, were imparted initial training by their parents Pt. Ramprakash Mishra and Meera Mishra before they mastered the nuances of khayal gayaki under the tutelage of the doyens of Banaras gharana Padmabhushan Pt. Rajan and Sajan Mishra. They present Banaras gayaki, which is distinguished by superb laykari balanced by unmatched sweetness and have performed in India and USA. 

On May 22, Rimpa Siva-also called Princess of tabla - will present classical tabla solo.  Hailed as the prodigious wonder, Kolkata-based Rimpa Siva has been decorated by French Government who made a 25-minute documentary Princess of Tabla on Rimpa Siva. Born on May 16, 1991, Rimpa had been groomed by her father Pt Swapan Siva of Farrukhabad tabla gharana. Pursuing her doctorate in music, Rimpa has performed solo and as accompaniment to stalwarts such as Pandit Hariparsad Chaurasia during her over 500 concerts abroad.

On May 23, there will be a kathak dance performance by Vishal Krishna from Varanasi. All of 17, the young doyen of Banaras ghrana, kathak exponent Vishal Krishna is from the family of kathak legend Sitara Devi. He represents the tradition of Banaras gharana katahak with élan. Most say he is a legend in the making. 

All the events will be held at Tagore Theatre from 6.30 pm onwards. Entry free.