Patiala Music Festival concludes with sitar recital
While Punjab pop starts like Diljit Dosanjh, Karan Aujla, AP Dhillon are drawing young crowd in Chandigarh, the classical music of sitar had the audience glued to their seats in Patiala.
Sunday being a weekly holiday, the Kalidas historic Auditorium in the City Royale was packed to capacity, with the avowed music-lovers turning up along with their families and friends to be a part of the rich fare of music and muse.
A brainchild of the North Zone Culture Centre (NZCC), Patiala, the fest was launched last year, with an eye to carry forward the age-old musical legacy of the "Patiala Gharana".
The laidback morning on Sunday instantaneously turned brisk as the star performer of the day, Vidushi Anupama Bhagwat, a sitar player, took the centre stage and held audience captive. She started with Raag Basant Mukhari, "Alaap", "Jod", two "Bandishes" in Teen Taal, followed by Raga Bhatiyar, ending with a mesmerising "Dhun". Tabla wizard Pandit Abhishek Mishra accompanied her.
Up next to present his popular compositions was Sourabh Vasishtha, a classical vocalist known for his proficiency in Hindustani classical. He started with Raag Todi Vilambit and was accompanied by Jaidev on tabla and Tarun Joshi on harmonium).
Dr Rajinder Singh Gill, former director, NZCC, was the chief guest. Among others present on the occasion include prominent Punjabi singer Satinder Bugga, Bhupinder Singh Malhi, Dr Swaraj, Dr Manmohan Sharma.
NZCC Director Mohd Furqan Khan said the festival said the love and affection extended by the city music-loving fraternity had infused gravitas to perpetuate the festival to carry forward the traditions of the Patiala Gharana.
