April 25, 2024 12:15 (IST)
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UK born Rishi Banerjee enthralls audience with Tagore concert in Kolkata
Kolkata, Mar 9 (IBNS) UK born Rabindrasangeet vocalist Rishi Banerjee made a quick stop in Kolkata to present a unique concept ‘Then sings my soul’, exploring the special relationship between Rabindranath and his nieces Indira Devi Choudhurani and Sarala Devi.
Both nieces of the bard had made significant contributions to Rabindranath’s repertoire and this was a fascinating journey.
Veteran exponent Pramita Mallick, who began the evening by explaining how Rishi had come to her with the concept, said that she couldn't resist putting the programme together for him especially as she had a close connection to Indira Devi.
Rishi presented a mixture of Rabindrasangeet, a Hindi classical bandish and two western compositions.
He began the evening ushering in Spring with ‘Bishwa Bina Robe’ before effortlessly performing a wonderful of selection of songs which included: ‘Aju Morana Bana Bole’, 'Ave Maria,' ‘Shokatore Oi Kandicche,’ ‘Eki Labanye Purno Praan,’ ‘Kon Alote Praner Pradeep,’ the rarely heard or sung ‘Boro Bedonar Moto’ and the evergreen ‘Anandadhara Bahicche Bhubone’ set to Mishra Malkosh.
Pramita Mallick delivered an innovative yet informative snapshot into how Rabindranath was exposed to different types of music throughout his life through various memoirs, letters and stories from his nieces. Her natural ability to tell the story was engrossing and added another dimension to the evening.
Rishi’s vocal performance demonstrated maturity and thought into the songs and their philosophies. The performance which captured the heart and mind of the audience was undoubtedly ‘Boro Bedonar Moto’ with many about to shed a tear by the end.
The musical accompaniment was also worth noting. Led by Subrata Mukherjee, it was well balanced and made a change from the norm of seeing a crowd of musicians on stage drowning the voice.
Rishi added: "I am truly honoured that Mashi [Mallick] agreed to help me with this concept. I couldn't have done any of this without her."
"I have been thinking about this concept for a long and I'm glad we could present it in Kolkata for the very first time. Many still believe that Rabindrasangeet is stuck in the past but this programme demonstrates there is still so much to learn about him and his creative genius," he told IBNS.
The evening was a sign that Tagore’s works do have a bright future here and abroad.
(Reporting by Sujoy Dhar)
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