In conversation with Priyanka Gope

Classical vocalist Priyanka Gope has carved a niche in Indian classical music, winning connoisseurs' hearts with her pristine performances over the years at festivals including “Bengal-ITC SRA Classical Music Festival 2012” and several Chhayanaut festivals.
The artiste will perform in this year's “Celebrating Life Grand Finale 2013” to be held at Shaheed Suhrawardy Indoor Stadium, Mirpur, Dhaka on October 4. Apart from Priyanka Gope, noted vocalist and Chhayanaut Guru Rezwan Ali along with violinist Sheuli Bhattacharjee and sitarist Nishit Dey will also perform at the Grand Finale.
“The Daily Star always promotes classical music. This year only Bangladeshi classical artistes will perform at the 'Celebrating Life Grand Finale' programme. To have an independent platform is a matter of joy and hope for Bangladeshi artistes,” said Priyanka Gope.
Apart from studying at Rabindra Bharati University, Priyanka took khayal lessons exclusively from ITC Sangeet Research Academy guru Pt. Arun Bhaduri. She also learnt thumri from Pt. Urmi Das Gupta and Pt. Purnima Chowdhury. She says she is enamoured of both khayal and thumri.
“I love to perform both khayal and thumri. Khayal recital engages the vocalist in a game of melody and notes, while thumri, with its lyrics, represents a rhythmic play,” says Priyanka.
Priyanka was positioned first in khayal and thumri rendition at the All India Classical Competition (Dover Lane Conference) in 2008. She has received multiple awards over the years.
“Though my background is in classical music, I try to render Nazrul and Rabindra Sangeet with utmost sincerity,” says Priyanka
The artiste is currently a lecturer at the Department of Music of Dhaka University and a teacher of classical music at Chhayanaut.