Classical music soiree in port city

Ustad Mihir Lala (C) performs at the programme.Photo: STAR

Music enthusiasts were rapt at a musical soiree in the port city last Wednesday.
The event featuring classical vocal performances by Ustad Mihir Lala and his disciples was held at Theatre Institute, Chittagong (TIC).
Heritage Revive, a young group promoting classical music in the port city, hosted the soiree.
Noted scientist Professor Jamal Nazrul Islam and Somnath Ghosh, Assistant High Commissioner of India, were present at the programme as special guests.
Ghosh said that, classical music is an invaluable heritage and aspiring artistes should delve into it with the help of their mentors.
The programme started with a rendition of Raag Rageshri by Dibakar Kanungo, on a slow beat in ektaal, followed by a short khayal on drut teental. He also performed a brief tarana.
Artiste Jayanti Lala performed a thumri, “Katey Na Bairaagre” in Raag Maand.
Ustad Mihir Lala took the stage with a performance, “Saiyyan Gaye Pardes”, a thumri on Raag Mishra Pahadi. Pranab Bhattacharya and Madanmohan Ghosh accompanied the artiste on the tabla and esraj, respectively.
Randhir Das performed Raag Malkauns on the flute, followed by a dhun on Raag Khamaj.
The programme ended with a performance by Ustad Mihir Lala. He rendered another thumri. Ritan Kumar Dhar accompanied him on the harmonium.
Sudip Sengupta and Gauri Nandi accompanied the artistes on tanpura.