The Sant Gadge Ji Maharaj Auditorium in Lucknow resonated with sublime melodies as the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi celebrated its foundation day with a memorable musical evening titled 'Dharohar'. A large and enthusiastic crowd of classical music aficionados gathered, filling the venue with palpable excitement and anticipation for the performances to come.
A Night of Vocal Brilliance by Pandit Raghunandan Panshikar
The concert commenced with a soul-stirring vocal recital by the renowned artist from Pune, Pandit Raghunandan Panshikar. He began his performance with the serene Raag Yaman, instantly captivating the audience. In a heartfelt homage to his guru, the legendary Kishori Amonkar, he presented her iconic composition Mo Man Lagan Lagi.
The atmosphere transformed as he gracefully transitioned into the traditional drut bandish Eri Aali Piya Bin, infusing the hall with vibrant energy. For his final piece, he chose the deeply devotional Baaje Re Muraliya Baaje, a bhajan immortalized by the voices of Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and Lata Mangeshkar. This rendition provided the emotional high point of the first half, leaving the audience deeply moved.
He was expertly accompanied by Kshitij Singh on harmonium, Vinod Lele on tabla, and Rajpal Singh and Aparna Panshikar on tanpura.
Enchanting Flute Melodies by Padma Shri Ronu Majumdar
Following the vocal recital, the stage was taken by the maestro of the bamboo flute, Padma Shri Ronu Majumdar. He opened his segment with an elaborate alap in Raag Jhinjhoti, unfolding the raga's essence with quiet grace and profound depth. He then progressed through the jod and jhala sections, building a complex and captivating musical narrative.
His command over the instrument was on full display during a composition set to Rupak taal, where his signature clarity and masterful improvisational skills earned him appreciative murmurs and sustained applause from the captivated listeners. He was supported by Arthav Pratap Singh on the flute and the sensitive rhythmic accompaniment of Sapan Anjaria on tabla.
A Personal Connection with the Audience
The concert succeeded in creating an intimate bond between the artists and the audience. Throughout the evening, people were seen gently swaying to the rhythms, tapping their feet, and recording short videos on their smartphones to share the experience on social media. The seamless blend of classical rigor and emotional accessibility made the event feel personal for every attendee.
The Dharohar concert, organized to mark the foundation day of the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi, stood as a powerful testament to the enduring appeal and rich heritage of Indian classical music, leaving Lucknow's cultural circles enriched and eagerly awaiting the next such celebration.
