Scintillating season of soirees

Winters are the hottest season of cultural activities in India, wherein traditional art forms take the lead. Kolkata's internationally acclaimed annual classical soirees were at spate in January 2025. This year quite a few brilliant musicians' artistry left a deep impact.

- MEENA BANERJEE

To welcome the New Year, the disciples of Guru Anjan Majumdar organised a compact 'Baithaki' in collaboration with Kolkata Centre for Creativity (4th January). The sweet-toned sitar of Ashim Chaudhuri embellished Bageshri with Kousic Sen's proficient tabla. Khayal exponents Siladitya Banerjee (Bhimpalasi), Kingshook Mukherjee (tabla), Samrat Bhattacharya (harmonium) got noticed for his deep, soulful voice, and Moumita Mitra (Marwa and Jhinjhoti), Utpal Das (tabla) and Debashish Adhikary (harmonium) for their innovative style.

But the most enjoyable was Purab Anga Gayaki with all its rhythmic glory. Credit goes to Anirban Bhattacharya (vocal accompanist of kathak maestros) with co-artistes Pritam Polley (tabla) and Debashish Adhikary (harmonium).