On a high note

Music lovers of the tricity were treated to captivating performances by classical vocalist Vani Rao and sitar player Soumen Bhattacharjee on the concluding day of 300th Monthly Baithak programme organised by Pracheen Kala Kendra.

Vani, a versatile artiste from Bhopal, started the programme with melodic Rag Madhuwanti with traditional alaap followed by a Vilambit composition set to ek taal with bols — Vayakul man mero. Another Drut composition, Jiyara lubhaye man lalchaye, also won the hearts of the listeners. Vani concluded the programme with Devi Raagmala, which complemented the occasion of Durga Ashtmi. She was accompanied by Chandigarh-based Mehmood Khan on the tabla and Pt Damodar Rao on the harmonium.

After this soulful performance, Chandigarh-based artiste Soumen Bhattacharjee took to the stage for his sitar recital. He commenced his programme with Rag Konsi Kanhra elaborated with the quiet dignity of the methodical and reposeful alap followed by Jod jhala. He presented compositions in Vilambit laya followed by Madhay laya composition in ek taal. Then he doled out with fast tempo composition in teen taal. His concluding dhun was well received by the audience. He was accompanied by Siddharth Chatterjee on the tabla.