Trinity of classical arts for superlative performance

Venkat Raman –

While music and dance have lifted the human mind, body and soul and evoked a volley of emotions for thousands of years, a performance that brings together three of the finest forms should be in the ‘Not to be Missed List.’

Called, ‘Sanskar’ (Impression), the event  is being organised by Sargam School of Indian Music on Saturday, April 11, 2015 at 7 pm at Raye Freedman Arts Centre, Epsom Girls Grammar School, Silver Road, Epsom, Auckland.

The Sitar that has mesmerised some of the most popular musical bands of the Western World including The Beatles, while the Tabla, glorified in contemporary times by Zakhir Hussain, has been a source of endearment to a growing number enthusiasts and learners.

Bharata Natyam and Kuchipudi of South India and Kathak of North India have been the most popular Classical dances that are practiced and performed on either side of the Tasman. However, there are a few other dance formats and styles that have not only stood the test of time but also continue to challenge their students, teachers and performers.

The foremost among these is the ‘Odissi,’ which brings forth the grace and elegance of the dancer, while simultaneously bespeaking a culture that was the leading light when the rest of the world was in (cultural) darkness.

‘Sanskar’ will take the audience through a positive and harmonious journey of thoughts, tapping into the higher consciousness of human beings. This energy will be created by Sitar, Tabla and the Odissi.

Sam Gorya

Odissi is one of the most ancient and sensuous Indian classical dance forms dating back to Second Century BCE.

Odissi is known for its grace, beauty and strength.

Odissi music has lyrical quality that is very pleasing to the ears. Although the dance ritual of the Mahari (Devadasis of Jagannath temple) tradition is dead, Odissi has survived as a living art form.

It is a rarely performed Indian classical dance form in New Zealand. We had reported in our February 15, 2014 about the performance of Veshnu Narayanaswamy organised by Sri Vidyalaya Foundation at Maidment Theatre (the Mosgrove Studio) in Auckland on February 1.

Sam Goraya is a well-known Odissi dancer based in Melbourne who has performed in Canada, USA, Malaysia and Australia. He is known for his sense of rhythm and ability to create vibrations and energy that resonate with all who witness.

Sam will present some of Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra’s rare items that are considered gems of Odissi dance. Through the power of Odissi, Sam takes his audience to a journey of self-realisation and higher consciousness.

Basant Madhur

Tabla is a also a popular Indian instrument that has the subtle tones, complex cross-rhythms and the driving taal cycles fundamental to Indian Classical music and dance.

These nuances come to life under the capable hands of Basant Madhur, one of the highly respected musicians in the country.

His wide repertoire has seen him perform with world-renowned musicians including Pundit Rakesh Chaurasia, Pundit Ronu Majumdar and Pundit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt.

The past two years have been busy and eventful for Basant on the global stage, with performance in several parts of America and India. His concert tour with ‘Satvik Veena’ Master Pundit Salil Bhatt in December 2014 and January 2015 has had rave reviews.

Teenager Akhil Madhur will accompany Basant on the Tabla at ‘Sanskar.’

Akhil has inspired hundreds of people in New Zealand with his impressive performances over the past two years. The confidence and maturity that he displays make him a welcome member of any group or performing artiste.

He is now a regular concert accompanist including as a solo tabla player or as a spirited part of Jugalbandi.

Lester Silver

The late Pundit Ravi Shankar brought the creative ingenuity of the Sitar to the West.

Lester Silver, a respected and acclaimed musician in this field of Indian art music will present his Sitar recital at the event. He is a regular performer in Auckland’s classical music concerts as well as regional arts festivals around New Zealand.