Last weekend, the Bhavan’s resident Hindustani vocal teacher Smt. Chandrima Misra presented her students with a dazzling display of talent. In this two–day festival conceived and organised by her, we were treated to solos, duets, and group performances by her students.
The first evening was titled ‘Bhairav to Bhairavi’ and showcased a range of Ragas that are sung from morning time till evening.
Beginning with a Ganesha Vandana, the evening saw performances by young students as well as masterful solo renditions by senior students. Starting with Raag bhairav, the performers followed up with morning Ragas including Gunakali, Ahir Bhairav, Gujri Todi, Bhatiyar, Bilaskhani Todi; afternoon Ragas Bhimpalasi, Shuddh Sarang; and evening ragas including Multani and Puriya.
The Ragas to be sung at night included Gorakh kalyan, and Bihag.
The audience was serenaded through the different times of the day starting from dawn to night and coming back full circle, befitting ending with a morning raga again.
The second evening was aptly titled ‘Evening Ragas’ and took the audience on a journey through melodies sung in the evening. It was also an evening of gratitude as Chandrima ji dedicated it to her late mother, Smt. Gita Samanta ji who passed away last year.
Yaman Raag, sung by her youngest students was a great beginning followed by soothing solo renditions of Shuddha Kalyan, Madhuvanthi, Jog, and Bageshri.
A few students also took the opportunity to speak of their experiences of training at The Bhavan.
The second part of the evening was dedicated to Rabindra Sangeet and had a personal touch as Chandrima ji herself sang a few verses of a song taught to her by her mother.
This part was a unique combination of khayal singing and Rabindra Sangeet or Tagore Songs, songs that Chandrima ji learnt from her mother.
The first was the song ‘Tumi Robe Nirobe’ in Behag, followed by the classical Khayal in the same Raag set to teentaal – ‘Jhoom Jhaam’.
The festival concluded with a grand finale in Raga Desh.
Both evenings saw Pt Rajkumar Misra ji on Tabla accompaniment along with a few of his students, and Smt. Chandrima Misra ji herself on the harmonium.
