Abul Khair's message on BCMF '13

Photo: Ridwan Adid Rupon

“Last year's Bengal ITC-SRA Classical Music Festival was a massive event. In terms of the number of artistes, audience and duration, it was, to the best of my knowledge, the biggest classical music festival of all time. Bengal Foundation successfully presented the best artistes to listeners, aficionados and connoisseurs of Bangladesh alike. The festival -- with the participation of nearly a hundred musicians -- was a success.
“To showcase the splendour and diversity of Bangla music, Bengal Foundation and ITC-SRA jointly held a nine-day “Bangla Gaan-er Utsab” from February 8-16 this year in Kolkata, India. Some 50 artistes from Bangladesh participated in the grand event. This was the first festival of its stature at the ITC Sangeet Research Academy, a home of Indian Classical Music. Many music-lovers of our country were disappointed that last year's classical music festival predominantly featured Indian artistes. That is why we organised the biggest festival of Bangla music in Kolkata, in a humble effort to portray our music and culture to their audience.
“Like last year, the classical music festival organised by Bengal Foundation is being celebrated. Many have joined hands with us in our endeavour. It is a matter of pride that Bengal Foundation is a Bangladeshi organisation, and has found support in some of the leading business organisations and mass media of the country.
“What's the purpose of this festival? Is it impacting our music fraternity? Has the vision behind last year's festival left any impressions?
“I'm hopeful. We're just beginning our journey. The biggest testament that this initiative is not in vain, is the fact that our entry passes have run out even before the start of the festival. We want to consider the earnest requests of listeners from Dhaka and outside for entry passes.
“Classical music festivals held by other organisations and people's interest tells us that our effort was not a failure. Because it was you who have stayed up all night to enjoy classical music, something many were doubtful of before. The biggest success of our initiative is bringing people of many circles together, even if for a short time. The golden times of Bangladesh's music will return -- it's not just a dream; it's a belief.
“I like to think of myself as a dreamer. All good deeds are made of dreams of achieving something beautiful. I want to dream more; because I have unending faith in people and beauty. “

Abul Khair,
Chairman, Bengal Foundation