Noted Hindustani vocalist Sarathi Chatterjee, a disciple of Pandit Rajan and Pandit Sajan Misra, is in the habit of organising concerts by artistes known and lesser known, through his organisation Sangeetam. This time, though, he is particularly enthusiastic about a series of performances he has arranged in the Capital and other cities. The occasion is the 60th birthday of Pandit Rajan, the elder of the Misra Bandhu duo. The performances are scheduled in four cities — Delhi, Jodhpur, Durgapur and Varanasi.
The festival kicks off at Jodhpur’s Mehrangarh Fort, Daulat Khana Chowk, on December 22 at 6.30 p.m. A film on the Misra Brothers will be screened, and the duo will give a vocal recital.
Durgapur will see a programme on January 13, 2013 at Deshbandhu auditorium, while Delhi’s turn comes on February 14 and 15 at the India Habitat Centre.
Varanasi, the brothers’ hometown, will celebrate on February 24. Besides the Misra Brothers, artistes scheduled to perform at the various events include Anindo Chatterjee (tabla solo), Kushal Das (sitar), Sarathi Chatterjee (vocal), Ritesh Misra and Rajneesh Misra (vocal), Madhumita Roy (Kathak) and G.S. Rajan (Carnatic flute).
“In a world which is entrenched in the chaos of myriad influences, western and otherwise, Sangeetam attempts to open a few doors to enable a peek into the vast world of pure classical music,” says Chatterjee, whose parents Pt Arun Kumar Chatterjee and his wife late Mrs Shefali Chatterjee founded the organisation. “It also conducts lecture demonstrations wherein there is close interaction between an artist and students. This is a learning experience for both the parties involved. Through its modest attempts, Sangeetam hopes to bring Indian classical music within reach of any individual. The organisation strives to create and increase the awareness of the lasting beauty and tranquillity that this form of music is capable of-the harmony that melody can bring.
