“Good days are ahead for classical music students here” -- Pandit Jyoti Goho
Pandit Jyoti Goho is an accomplished artiste in the world of Indian classical music, noted for his astute sense of subtlety in the art of harmonium playing. Widely known for his masterful playing and appropriate embellishments, thereby enhancing the level of vocal performance to a significant extent, Jyoti Goho has received accolades from one of the most treasured vocalists of all times, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi -- whom he has accompanied many times -- as being “extremely supportive as a harmonium artiste.”
In a conversation with The Daily Star, the veteran artiste spoke about the return of the Bengal Classical Music Festival in Dhaka.
Your feelings on a festival of this stature?
Jyoti Goho: It is indeed a rare occasion. I remember a festival on massive scale in 1973, headlined by Ustad Amjad Ali Khan at the Kolamondir in Kolkata that lasted for 17 days. But a festival stretching for four days with so many great musicians, it's a great event for Bangladesh, and I'm very excited.
To what extent do you think it will be received by the audience this year?
Jyoti Goho: I have been coming to Bangladesh for years now, and it is always a pleasure to perform here. And I know that North Indian classical music is loved by many people here, so I am quite sure there will be very good turnout for the festival.
What is your take on the practice of classical music here in Bangladesh?
Jyoti Goho: Maybe the practice of classical music here is not as widespread as it could have been, but I think the scenario is improving. There are a lot of people who are learning here, many of them are coming to India as well. Besides, gurus are coming here from India from time to time to give lessons to aspiring musicians. I believe the collaboration of Bengal Foundation and the ITC-Sangeet Research Academy will take it much further. Scholars and students of the SRA will also come to Bangladesh more often, which I believe is great news for the students here.
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