Classical music was formally launched to the capital almost eight many years in the past by way of the Shriram Shankarlal Music Festival. Before its inception, attending a live performance required a private invitation from the host. The pageant modified this by being open to all, held in a shamiana, making classical music accessible to the general public. Initially, ₹2 tickets had been bought, however a few many years in the past, it was determined to make the pageant free for all.
Delhi’s oldest and most prestigious classical music pageant returns this weekend as a three-day occasion from March 21 to 23. Over the years, it has hosted each main determine in North Indian classical music, barring uncommon exceptions — Pandit Kumar Gandharva was by no means invited within the early years, and when he lastly was, he declined. The violin was additionally not often featured, with Dr. L. Subramaniam performing solely as soon as and Dr. N. Rajam and her daughter being the primary North Indian violinists to take the stage, solely a few years in the past.
The present should go on
Shobha Deepak Singh, Chairperson of Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra, who has been the driving drive behind the pageant for the previous 50 years, shares, “This will be my first festival without my husband, Deepak, who was a strong support. But as he always said, ‘The show must go on.’”
The pageant opens with Rahul Sharma on santoor, adopted by Ashwini Bhide Deshpande’s vocal recital. The subsequent day begins with flute sisters Debopriya and Suchismita Chatterjee, disciples of Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia. Debopriya, reflecting on the event, says, “This will be my first performance on this stage without guruji. There’s a sense of responsibility in carrying his legacy forward. We’re nervous but excited to perform on such a prestigious platform.”
The second live performance of the night options first-time performers Prabhakar and Diwakar Kashyap of the Banaras gharana, disciples of Pandit Rajan and Sajan Mishra, adopted by a sitar recital by Pandit Budhaditya Mukherjee.
Grand finale
This 12 months, the pageant is not going to function a morning session. The concluding night will showcase veteran vocalist Pandit Vinayak Torvi of the Kirana Gharana, adopted by Ustad Amjad Ali Khan.
Reflecting on his lengthy affiliation with the pageant, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan shares, “As a child, I lived where Kamani Auditorium stands today, and now, I perform where the festival is currently held. I’ve been playing at Shankarlal since the early 1960s and always try to make time for it. It was originally held at the Modern School grounds and has always featured the finest musicians.”
When requested about his efficiency this 12 months, he says, “Our music is always fresh — no two renditions of the same raga are ever identical. The Yaman or Darbari I played yesterday will be different from what I play today. I believe each raga has an atma (soul). Western music is written down, and while I respect that tradition, I can’t read and play — I believe music is a gift from God. Notes connect hearts, no matter where you live. Music transcends religion; it is a means to connect with the divine.”
At Open Air Theatre, Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra, Copernicus Marg; March 21 to 23; 6pm onward
Published – March 20, 2025 11:12 pm IST
