Musical feast in store

The golden days of Indian classical music are here again. The coming months will witness music legends gather under one umbrella to give scintillating performances fostering growth and development of Indian classical music.

``Smritiyaan'' is the new series of musical evenings being presented by the Pandit Chatur Lal Memorial Society -- a charitable society dedicated to the tabla wizard Pandit Chatur Lal, working towards reviving the age-old tradition of Indian classical music.

One of the few pioneer musicians who developed a style of his own, Pandit Chatur Lal was noted for a rhythmic pattern and an intimate understanding of the mood of the accompanying artist. He was called the ``incarnation of the God of music that opened to the listener a fourth dimension of expression beyond time and space''.

Thirty-six years ago, India lost this great tabla wizard at the young age of 40. It's now the son of this legendary tabla player, Pandit Charanjit Lal, also an accomplished tabla player who, as the Society's founder has taken the onus of promoting classical music. ``Smritiyaan'' is yet another milestone in his effort.

First in the series will be a performance by two living legends -- Pandit Jasraj (vocal) and Ustad Amjad Ali Khan (sarod). The duo will enthrall a select gathering on November 19 and 20 at the Siri Fort Auditorium. They will be accompanied by Ustad Shafaat Ahmed Khan (tabla).

Another noteworthy feature of the show will be performances by Ustad Amjad Ali Khan's two sons -- Aman Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash on the sarod besides a rendition by violinist Kala Ramnath.

Recalling his association with Pandit Chatur Lal, Pandit Jasraj said it was the maestro's blessings and support that brought success and glory to many upcoming artistes. ``It was Panditji who made the world understand the tabla. And anyone who sat with him to play the tabla became a star.''

Terming him a genius, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan remembered Pandit Chatur Lal as a ``trend-setter'' who showed the way to many artists. ``His contribution to Indian classical music is immense and cannot be forgotten. He evolved a style of his own and always kept on developing it.''

By Sandeep Joshi

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