If the air of the capital is filled with classical notes, the end of the year should be bright. For it is around this time that the annual event, the Delhi Classical Music Festival, makes its foray into the cacophony of a packed cultural calendar. This time he returns to enchant music lovers with a line-up that includes well-known artistes who will present vocal and instrumental numbers.
“I will sing thumris and may be a bhajan; will choose the raga after seeing the audience,” says Padma Bhushan Pt Ajoy Chakraborty, who will take to the stage on the first day. Having performed in the city several times, he shares, “The audience in Delhi is much better than before… This is probably my 65th concert in Delhi and now I find the audience very responsive and engaged.”
The opening day will also feature classical vocal performances by Ojesh Pratap Singh and Rindana Rahasia. This will be followed by the second day featuring Kashish Mittal (vocals), Satayajit Talwalkar (solo tabla) and Deborshi Bhattacharya (vocals).
On the concluding day of Padma Shri Shubha Mudgal will unleash his melodious magic. “Whether I’m speaking or walking with an audience, I always see a large turnout at this decades-old event,” shares Mudgal, adding, “If I remember correctly, it used to be called the Indraprastha Festival, and I remember , as he performed at one of his first releases. From bhajans to protest poetry, I have performed many genres here.”
“The aim of this event is to make Delhi known not only as the political capital of the country but also to develop as an art and music capital,” says Rakesh Pathak, assistant secretary (dance and music), Sahitya Kala Parishad, which organizes the festival. Patak adds, “Deliites look forward to classical programs throughout the year. This desire of people pushes us to organize such events.”
Catch it live
What: Delhi Classical Music Festival
Where: Sri Ram Performing Arts Centre, 4, Safdar Hashmi Marg
When: December 3-5
Time: 18.30
Nearest metro station: Mandi House on the blue and purple lines
