Musical evening to unlock over 20 variations of 'Raag Malhaar'

A treasure trove of 20 rare and unknown renditions of 'Raag Malhaar' will be unlocked when an ensemble of 40 artistes perform bandishes, kalaams, folk songs and instrumental solos for a musical evening here tonight.
The production 'Maushaar- Rhyme of the Rain' at Kamani auditorium here, will feature the Dilli Gharana performing some mystic melodies in different variations of 'Raag Malhaar'.
Headed by Ustad Iqbal Ahmed Khan, a National Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee, the production seeks to promote the traditional classical music among masses by contemporising it.
"By retaining the essence of the traditional styles of music, we plan to give it a western touch. The music which defines precise unification of different cultures resulting in a mind blowing fusion presentation will be one of the USPs of this production," Khan said.

Maushaar, designed in Khan'sown voice along with other artistes joining him, will be an amalgamation of Indian classical and semi-classical music with western classical instrumental.
"Our goal is promoting, celebrating, safeguarding and preserving the rich and intangible cultural heritage of Indian music that we at the Dilli Gharana are carrying forward since the 13th century," Khan said.
The evening will also see Kathak doyen Shovana Narayan and Hindustani vocalist Pandit Vidyadhar Vyas being conferred with the annual Ustad Chand Khan Award for their enormous contribution to the Indian classical music and dance.