Passionate percussionists of gen-next

Mangalacharana organised its 8th Sangeet Sammelan as "Yuva Taal Vadya Utsav" (Youth Percussion Festival).

- MEENA BANERJEE

Such a unique concept, focused only on young and rising percussionists (up to twenty-five years of age), was held on the 15th of September at Sisir Manch.

The objective of the festival, as envisaged by renowned musician couple, vocalist Indrani Mukherjee and tabla player Apurba Mukherjee, was to inspire and encourage the torchbearers of various types of Indian classical percussion instruments and their rich cultural heritage, as described in Natyashastra (Pancham Veda). Mukherjees, very rightly, believes that timely recognition and appreciation will ignite the passion within these youngsters who, despite numerous lucrative options scattered all around their paths, chose the demanding arena of Indian classical music. The day-long festival showcased nine percussion items, including tabla, pakhawaj, shreekhol, and mridangam players in five solos, three duets and an ensemble.

Among the tabla soloists, Aarchik Banerjee, by the dint of his unwavering focus and resilience, has already arrived in the haloed zone of celeb musicians.

In the final slot, his version of teental, replete with shuruwat, peshkar, rela, and compositions of his father-guru, Pandit Subhankar Banerjee, was brilliant.

So was Zargham Akram Khan, worthy son-disciple of Ustad Akram Khan. He too chose teental adorned with peshkar and various kaidas, including tisra jati.