A night where music painted the air and every note held a secret, says SAKSHI PRIYA

Can music carry the weight of history? Can a raga played decades ago still stir the same emotions today? The Shriram Shankarlal Music Festival once again showed why Indian classical music remains a force that connects generations. Held in New Delhi, the festival brought together some of India’s finest musicians, creating an atmosphere where tradition met the present in perfect harmony.

The festival opened with a performance by Rahul Sharma, whose mastery over the santoor brought out the depth and grace of the instrument. The audience sat captivated, drawn into the intricate melodies that seemed to unfold like a story. What makes an artist’s music so compelling? Is it years of practice, or an ability to communicate emotions through notes? Every musician on stage carried a deep connection with their craft, making each moment memorable.

The Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana’s Ashwini Bhide Deshpande followed, bringing a completely different mood with her khayal and thumri renditions. The transition from the santoor’s flowing notes to the textured depth of classical vocal music showcased the diversity within Indian classical traditions.

Sibling Duos in Concert

The second evening brought something unique, two sets of sibling duos performing back-to-back. Flutists Debopriya and Suchismita Chatterjee, trained under Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, played with a harmony that felt almost conversational. Their notes blended effortlessly, raising an interesting question: Can music be more powerful when shared?

This idea was reinforced when Prabhakar and Diwakar Kashyap, trained in the Banaras Gharana, presented a powerful vocal recital. The energy in their performance, the seamless exchange of musical phrases, and the way they balanced each other’s strengths made it a standout moment.

The evening closed with the sitar maestro Pt. Budhaditya Mukherjee, whose control over the instrument and exploration of each raga showed the depth of his artistry. Does an instrument shape its player, or is it the other way around?

A Grand Finale

The final evening featured Pt. Vinayak Torvi, a khayal vocalist whose voice carried the weight of years of training and tradition. His performance created a setting where every note held its own significance.

But the highlight of the night was undoubtedly Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, the sarod maestro whose music has defined Indian classical traditions for decades. His presence alone spoke of history, and as his fingers moved effortlessly over the strings, it was clear why he remains one of the greatest musicians of our time. What is it that makes a legend? Skill, dedication or the ability to make the audience feel something great? Some compositions are not meant to be forgotten, they live on, carried in the hearts of those who truly listen.

Remains forever

As the final notes of the sarod faded into the night, the festival left behind a melody that would stay with the audience long after the last performance. Some compositions are not meant to be forgotten, they live on, carried in the hearts of those who truly listen. The Shriram Shankarlal Music Festival continues to bring together the best of classical music, ensuring that the tradition moves forward. It is a place where music grows and finds new meaning.