Don Bosco Academy of Music and Fine Arts, Kochi had the Sitar recital by renowned artists from the North, viz. Sri. Sujoy Basu (Sitar), Sri. Arindam Chakravarty (Tabla) and Master Debjoy Basu (Tanpura) made a thrilling performance for the rasikas. The Sitar recital was named “Pranamam after much reflection in order to express our sincere gratitude to God for the innumerable blessings we have been receiving in all that we are and in all that we do for the promotion of music and fine arts. God has been so good to us and hence it was a deep pranamam to God for all His graces. “Pranamam” – it was also a genuine pranamam to the year 2014 and to the year 2015, a grateful pranamam to Rev. Fr. Thomas Anchukandam, Provincial whose consistent support we remember with thankfulness, an affectionate pranamam to Fr. Joyce, our Rector who has been nominated the new provincial of the Sacred Heart Province Bangalore, a respectful pranamam to the renowned artistes from Kolkota and a warm pranamam to all the lovers of Music.
The sitar recital commenced at 6 pm with a touching prayer “Samarpanam “a Christian devotional sung by Sri. Gittu Joy (8th Grade Holder in Violin under Trinity College, London) The hymn is a composition of Sri. Kalapurakal Joy Master (The father of Gittu). Fr. Rector then welcomed the artists as well as the audience for the musical evening.
Surmani Sujoy began his Sitar recital elaborating the raga “Charukesi”. Sri Sujoy chose this particular raga as it is used extensively also in the South Indian musical tradition. He then went on to play the raga Bhupali making it aragamalika. He did play a few folk tunes as well capturing the attention of the audience. Sri. Sujoy Basu played the sitar in his own comprehensive style. The class pattern that he waved on the Sitar was indeed a great testimony to his expertise as a Sitarist. “Surmani” by sur Singer Sandsad/ Mumbai., “Raag Ranjani Shree” from Delhi, “Sitar Vadya Shree” by Sadguru Ganayogi Panchakhara Sangeet, Chennai,” Sangeeth Bivakar” and “Sangeeth Probar” by Baniya Sangeeth Parishad/ Kolkata etc. are some of the many titles, honours and llaurels Sri. Sujo has receives as a Sitarist.
Sri. Arindam Chakravarty who accompanied the Sitarist on Tabla made a magical performance that stunned the audience with awe and respect. Sri. Arindam who started his initial lessons on Tabla at the tender age of 5 is now a well sought after Tablist by great Maestros. He has had the privilege of accompanying eminent musicians like Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Ustad Shahid Parvez, Pandit Kamal Mullick, Bidushi Jaya Biswas, Pandit Ajoy Joglekar, Sree Rakesh Chaurasia, Pandit Harashankar Bhattacharya, Vidwan N. Shankar, Guru Giridhari Nayek, Vidushi Snjukta Ghosh, Ustad Gauhar Ali Khan, Ustad Raza Ali Khan and many others.
Master Debjoy Basu, son of Sri. Sujo Basu played the Tanpura for the concert. Debjoy a 10th std student at, Kolkata made his presence felt in a very serene but powerful way. Debjoy is also a passionate student of North Indian Vocal music.
Pranamam 2015 definitely was a historical moment for Don Bosco Vennala as it was the 1st time we were having a Sitar Recital at our Centre. Needless to say, it was a unique experience for the rasikas. Very many people had gathered for the programme knowing that we were having artistes from the North for the Sitar performance. We proudly acknowledge the fact that these disguised artistes from the North has come here to perform in our Music Academy without expecting any remuneration whatsoever. They came to know of our Academy from the fb page we had created for our centre on June 16, 2014 for the promotion of music and fine arts [www. Facebook. Com.dbmusicacademy]. Artistes from different parts of India as well as guide in our musical journey.
Fr. Yashin proposed the Vote of thanks and Fr. Rector honoured the artistes with mementos and ponnadas. Ms. Rose Ollukaran a past student of Don Bosco Irinjalakuda and presently doing her PG at Stella Maris, Chennai was the MC for the musical.
