Anoushka Shankar (Sitar)

Attended a concert of Anoushka Shankar (Sitar). She was accompanied by Ojas Adhiya (Tabla), Prashanna Devraja (Mridangam, Ghatam & Morsing), Danny Keane (Cello & Piano), Somdutta Basu (Tanpura) and Ravichandra Kulur (Bansuri & Kanjira). I attended this concert at Dubai Opera on 20th Dec 2019 with Jayant, Sucheeta, Sameer, Rucha, Pooja, Deepa and Nandu.

Concert started with 'Voice of the moon' in midnight Raag Kirwani. This was one of the early compositions of Anoushka.

She then played a piece titled 'Jannat' which she composed more than 10 years ago. She candidly confessed that she tried to include it in various albums but it was rejected. However, she likes to play it live. There was Sawal-Jawab between Tabla and Mridangam in this composition.

It was followed by piece titled 'Red Sun' from her album 'Rise'. This was a curious piece. Cello gave the chords and purcussions were provided by bol.

Main piece of the concert was 'Shiraz'. It was a musical rendition of a 1920s silent film by same name, a fictionalised account of love story that led to building of Taj Mahal. The composition started in Raag Bihag. It was an interesting concept of narrating a story through music. There was Kanjira-Ghatam jugalbandi, Cello-Morsing jugalbandi, Tabla solo (Ojas simply dazzled everyone with his dexterity and won a long applause), Mridangam solo, Tabla-Mridangam jugalbandi, Piano solo and all of them playing together. This piece concluded with a thunderous applause. 

Then they ask got up, did Namaskar to audience,  took a bow and left.  Just like that the concert was over. Audience was flabbergasted. They could not believe that the concert was over in just 1 hour 20 minutes. Finally reality sunk in and audience reluctantly left Dubai Opera. 

Piano and Cello player had musical notes in front of him while Tabla, Mridangam and Bansuri played improviso and so did Anoushka.

This was not a typical Hindustani Classical music concert. There was no build up of Raag with Aalap-Jod-Jhala. Concert was made up of various pieces composed by Anoushka. Five instruments were playing at the same time. So it was like a cross over concert. 

Participation of Ojas was a surprise because he was married only two days ago. Hats off to his dedication and thanks to his new wife. 

Anoushka in wine red evening gown and long earrings looked gorgeous. Colours of kurtas of accompanying musicians were also chosen carefully to not disturb colour coordination, except the chilly of sari of lady on Tanpura. 

Dubai Opera is a fantastic auditorium. Very impressive. Seating is very well laid out. Everyone gets clear view of stage without obstruction. Acoustics are also excellent. Auditorium enhances the experience. 

I left the concert with a feeling of dissatisfaction. We went for the concert from Abu Dhabi to Dubai but felt that she should have given more time for the audience.

 A good concert, but too short.