The cultural calendar of Kerala's capital is set to be enriched with an exquisite performance of Hindustani classical music this weekend. The city of Thiruvananthapuram will host a special concert featuring the melodious ghazals of Dipanwita Chakraborty and the resonant strings of sitar exponent Sreeja Rajendran.
A Confluence of Musical Legacies
Organized by the Information and Public Relations department under its 'Bhoopali – Gharanakalude Prathidhwani' series, the event promises a refined auditory experience. The concert is scheduled for Saturday at 6:30 PM at the iconic Tagore Theatre in Vazhuthacaud. Notably, entry to the programme is completely free, making it accessible to all classical music aficionados in the region.
Meet the Maestros: Dipanwita Chakraborty
Ghazal singer Dipanwita Chakraborty brings with her a rich heritage rooted in the musical traditions of West Bengal. Her initial training was under the guidance of Shri Tridib Sanyal, a direct disciple of the legendary Ustad Munawar Ali Khan. This grounding in a prestigious gharana style forms the bedrock of her expressive and nuanced vocal performances.
Meet the Maestros: Sreeja Rajendran
Sharing the stage will be Sreeja Rajendran, recognized as one of the first professional women sitar players from Kerala. Born into a musically inclined family, her first lessons came from her father, the noted composer and lyricist Muraleedharan Master. She later refined her craft under Guru Krishnakumar Master before embarking on advanced sitar studies under Ustad Hamid Khan of the prestigious Indore Beenkar Gharana in Dharwad.
Sreeja's artistic versatility is remarkable. She has also honed her skills in Carnatic vocal music under Jayashree Sundaresan. Her professional portfolio is diverse, encompassing:
- Classical concerts
- Fusion music ensembles
- Recording projects
- Kathak dance productions
- Television programmes
The Ensemble and Event Details
The main artists will be supported by a talented group of accompanists, ensuring a full and harmonious sound. The ensemble includes:
- Ratnasree Iyer
- Debajyoti Roy on tabla
- Shyam Adat on flute
- Elvis Antony on keyboard
- Harris Veeroli on guitar
The collaboration between a gifted ghazal singer from Bengal and a pioneering sitarist from Kerala is expected to create a unique sonic tapestry. The event is anticipated to draw a large crowd of classical music enthusiasts from across Thiruvananthapuram and beyond, highlighting the city's deep appreciation for the arts.
