Classical music mornings

A series of musical programmes titled 'Morning Ragas', which aims to bring to the fore appreciation of classical music is underway in the city.
The monthly series has been initiated by 'Legends of India' an organisation engaged in the promotion of Indian Classical Art forms in collaboration with Sangeet Natak Akademi.
A vocal recital by Sunanda Sharma of Benaras Gharana and Sarod recital by maestro Pt Tejendra Narayan Majumdar were the most recent performances held here under the series.
Sunanda carries forward the legacy of legendary vocalist of Benaras Gharana, the revered Vidushi Girija Devi, a Padma Bhushan awardee and a doyen of Indian classical vocal music.

"The leading vocalist amongst the young generation rendered Raag Jaunpuri and then a Tappa and Thumri, both in Raag Bhairavi with the ease of a master," Dipayan Mazumdar Chairman, Legends of India, said.
She rendered a recital in the Benaras gharana style of gayaki.

"Her rendition in the hot summer morning was like the refreshing breeze from the peaks of Himachal mountain ranges and the soft lapping waves of the Ganges in Benaras coming to a confluence, a magic spell of spirituality and romanticism that spreads its fragrance for all to enjoy," Mazumdar said.
Meanwhile sarod maestro Pt Tejendra Narayan Majumdar began a recital in 'Miya ki Todi', then 'Lanka Dah Sarang', 'Gaud Sarang' concluding with a dhoon.

'Morning Ragas' was introduced in April 2015, for the prison inmates at Tihar in order to augment their rehabilitation process.
Noted musicians such as Ronu Majumdar, Shubhendra and Saskia Rao, Rashmi Aggarwal, Sunanda Sharma and Nagaraja Rao Havaldar were among those who performed for the inmates.
"The success of the unique initiative made us realise that 'Morning Ragas' are gradually becoming rare in the busy urban schedule and therefore we take it up for people in Delhi. And what could be a better than early summer morning when it is still cool," Majumdar said.
"These renditions also give us an opportunity to present the young, upcoming and sometimes lesser known brilliant talents to share the platform along with the legendary artistes," he said.

In addition to the 'Morning Ragas' evening performances called 'Baithaks' have also been introduced by the organisation, with a next 'Baithak' scheduled to be held on May 28 presenting 'Purbayan Chatterjee'(Sitar) and Arshad Ali (Vocal).