Salil Bhatt to get talented company in Auckland

Ratna Venkat – 
ratna@indiannewslink.co.nz

Indian music lovers and enthusiasts will be looking forward to booking their next weekend as Auckland-based ‘Sargam School of Music’ presents its annual two-day programme devoted to the beauty and intricacies of North Indian Hindustani music.

The programme is being held in collaboration with Pandit Salil Bhatt, a world-renowned ‘Satvik Veena’ player from India.

Titled ‘Music Extravaganza 2016,’ the event is scheduled to be held on Saturday, December 10 and Sunday, December 11 at Blockhouse Bay Community Centre, 524 Blockhouse Bay Road in Blockhouse Bay.

Tickets, priced at $20 per person, would be valid for both concerts.

Showcasing crafts

‘Sargam School of Music’ Director and Principal Basant Madhur, and his students are preparing to showcase the best of their crafts through their hard work for this year. Their performances will include expositions of Tabla, Hindustani Vocal, Sitar and Violin recitals.

“We are committed to presenting quality Indian classical music programmes for our audiences. Through such programmes, our students will not only develop confidence on stage but will also benefit learning from visiting artistes of international repute,” Basant told Indian Newslink.

That opportunity to learn would also be offered to members of the public at a Workshop on ‘Indian Music’ that will be conducted by Salil on Sunday at the same venue (Blockhouse Bay Community Centre) from 12 noon to 2 pm. Admission to the Workshop is free but due to limited space, bookings must be made to avoid disappointments.

Tenth generation genius

Disciple and son of Grammy Award winner Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt (creator of the ‘Mohan Veena’), Pandit Salil Bhatt initially followed his father’s innovation before creating the ‘Satvik Veena,’ which brought him global fame.

Being a tenth generation of the ‘Bhatt musical lineage’ that spans more than 500 years, Salil has only continued the family tradition of spreading his music and marvelling audiences around the world, presenting not only solo concerts but also international collaborations that include exotic Jugalbandi and global fusions.

Just like his father’s revolutionary creation of the Mohana Veena, a modified Hawaiian guitar which was hailed as a ‘discovery’ in the realms of Indian Classical Music, Salil’s style of rendering classical nuances is also reflected in his creation of the ‘Satvik Veena.’ His dynamic style therefore incorporates authentic exposition of Indian Classical ‘Ragas’ (musical notes) as well as embellishments of World Music.

Inspiring variations

Salil’s baaz or style integrates ‘gayaki’ (vocal) and ‘tantrakari’ (instrumental) representations, allowing him to play innumerable variations on his beloved instrument.

Specialising in high-speed ‘taans,’ a unique feature in Hindustani Classical music, Salil has over the years, demonstrated great skill and artistry of the Satvik Veena.

Salil’s musical achievements in his résumé also include him being a forerunner of many honours for India. He was the first musician to perform inside the Parliament of Germany, the first Indian musician to perform in Iceland and the first Indian musician invited by the Taiwanese Government for artist residency.

The forthcoming weekend programme ‘Music Extravaganza 2016,’ will also feature Deepak Madhur on Harmonium and Professor Shukdev Madhur on Violin.

 Photo :

1. Salil Bhatt- innovation at finger tips
2. Basant Madhur- talent at hand