Classical Vocal Performance by Shipra Khan
To make a performance seem effortless is not that simple at all. Eminent Hindustani classical vocalist Begum Shipra Khan Sajeda, widow of the late Ustad Sagiruddin Khan, captivated the Dhaka music connoisseurs with her effortless performance last Friday. The performance was held at and organized by Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) in Dhaka.
Khan started off with a rendition of "Raga Maru Bihag". During her rendition, she demonstrated the unique identities of both the madhyams (i.e. Pa Ma Ga Ma Ga Re Sa). She performed as many as six items, some on request as well. Her interaction with the audience was warm and informal -- making it the perfect jalsa. This actually helped the audience get more involved.
She then presented a rather uncommon Thumri based on two South Indian ragas -- "Charukeshi" and "Kirwani" in tala adhdha. She continued with Thumri and Dadra based on Ragas "Manjh Khamaj" and "Bhairavi". The Dadra, "Ab Maan Jao Saiyan" in "Manjh Khamaj" was one of the highlights of the evening.
The concert ended with a Bhajan, "Prabhu Mere Ab". The two-hour performance seemed inadequate to satiate the audience's thirst for quality music. Gautam Sarkar was on tabla; Alok dey and Shaveena Anam were on harmonium and tanpura respectively. The Director of IGCC deserves kudos for providing classical music enthusiasts with this opportunity.
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