In The Spring Of Light
Audity Mohsin (second from left), Srikanto Acharya and Mita Haque perform at the programme.Photo: Mumit M.
The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) Ltd in Bangladesh arranged a programme to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore. Titled 'Aloker Ei Jhornadharae', the event included unveiling of a research-based book and rendition of Tagore songs by Mita Haque, Audity Mohsin and Indian singer Srikanto Acharya.
The programme was held at the Celebrity Hall, Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, on April 18.
Eminent music researcher Dr. Karunamaya Goswami is the author of the book, titled “The Art of Tagore Songs”. The book, which would not be available in the market, has been published by Shahitya Prakash and supported by HSBC. HSBC would send copies of the book to educational institutes, libraries and other organisations.
Dr. Goswami said that although the book focuses on Tagore songs, it also sheds light on other aspects of the bard's creativity.
Information and Cultural Affairs Minister Abul Kalam Azad was present at the event as chief guest. Sanjay Prakash, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC, gave the welcome speech. Former Chief Justice Muhammad Habibur Rahman; Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mizarul Quayes; Mahbubur Rahman, Head of Commercial Banking, HSBC and publisher of the book Mafidul Haque also spoke on the occasion.
Renditions of Tagore's timeless songs by the three renowned singers were clearly the main attraction at the programme. The trio took the stage together and sang three songs in chorus, starting with the national anthem “Amar Shonar Bangla”. The programme also included solo renditions by each of them.
Audity Mohsin performed six songs, including “Tomae Gaan Shonabo”, “Bipul Torongo Rey”, “Jey Raatey Mor Duarguli” and “Dibosh Rojoni Ami Jeno Kar”. The artiste's renditions were tinged with a romantic urgency that went exceedingly well with the audience.
Mita Haque's refined articulation of Tagore's compositions was a testament to her recognition as one of the leading Rabindra Sangeet singers. Haque, whom Srikanto called "one of the finest contemporary Tagore singers", also sang six songs, including patriotic numbers “Aaji Bangladesher Hridoy Hotey” and “O Amar Desher Mati”. Her repertoire also included “Badolo Din-er Prothom Kadom Phool”, which belongs to the Prokriti (nature) subgenre.
Srikanto took a while, as his accompanying musicians tuned their instruments. Srikanto, who is better known as an Adhunik singer, thanked the organisers for inviting him and giving him the opportunity to perform in Bangladesh.
The artiste started with “Tumi Shondhyar Meghmala”. The noticeable aspect of Srikanto's rendition was that he opted for acoustic guitar and keyboard. The singer himself played harmonium. While, Audity and Haque's renditions were accompanied by violin and tabla, Srikanto seemingly preferred the gentler sounds of guitar.
The versatile singer also sang “Jetey Jetey Ekla Pothey”, “Shedin Du'joney”, “Aaji Jhorer Raatey” and “Tumi Ki Keboli Chhobi”, the last song of the night.
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