Classical music soiree by Uchchhas Lalitakala Academy

Ustad Anil Kumar Saha (L) performs at the soiree.

Uchchhas Lalitakala Academy held a classical music soiree at Poet Sufia Kamal auditorium of Bangladesh National Museum on March 9. The founder principal of the academy, Sharifa Quader, led a choral rendition of khayal with a tarana set on Raga Behag that set off the soiree.
Ustad Anil Kumar Saha was next to take the stage. The artiste first performed a khayal based on Raga Puria Kalyan. The vilambit bandish, “Aaj rangeele man bhaye”, of the raga seemed to have a soothing effect while the poetic drut bandish, “Morey ghar aaja surajana saiyyan”, had a romantic plea. Aloke Kumar Sen on harmonium and Imtiaz Sultan on tabla (vilambit ektaal and teentaal) accompanied the vocalist.
As spring was in the air, the artiste could not but render a melodious bandish, “Aayori basanta”, set on Raga Hindoli. And last but not the least, Ustad Anil Kumar Saha presented a truncated version of Raga Desh. His fashioning of a melodic alaap followed by a monsoon-inspired bandish, “Jhuma barase badaria saawan ki”, seemingly captivated the hearts of many.
Imtiaz Sultan played teentaal on his tabla while Aloke Kumar Sen was on harmonium during the performances.
Ustad Md. Yousuf Khan was the last performer of the soiree. The artiste played a dhun on his sarod. He featured the melody of Raga Jila Kafi, presenting alaap, jor alaap, gaut, jhala and a tehai. Another dhun performance set on a romantic Raga Bhairavi by the artiste wrapped up the soiree. Commerce Minister GM Quader and other dignitaries were in the audience to enjoy the musical event.