Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasiya (Bansuri)

Mandar's concert report

Attended concert of Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasiya (Bansuri) titled "Elements - Vāyu", accompanied by Pt. Shubhankar Banerjee (Tabla), Pt. Bhavani Shankar (Pakhawaj) and Vivek Sonar (Flute accompaniment). The concert was organized by Tamburine Live at Madinat theater, Dubai on 26th Sep 2014. I attended the convert with Jayant, Sucheeta, Nandu, Deepa and Raju.

The concert started with Evening Raga Madhuvanti (मधुवंती). He started aalap solo and was later joined by Pakhawaj. Bhavani Shankar played very well and drew applause from audience. Then Panditji played a composition in same Raga, in Rupak (रूपक) taal. Tabla accompanied him for this. Shubhankar played very well and drew spontaneous applause. He gave an excellent demonstration of constrained and controlled tabla playing.

Then Panditji announced that he will play one of his favorite Raga, but he will not tell the name. The rendition of Raga  was too good and audience was swayed mesmerized. His jugalbandi with tabalji was excellent. At the end of this Raga, Panditji asked the audience if they have recognized the Raga. Many from the audience recognized it as Hansadhwani (हंसध्वनी). Let me confess that I did not recognize it from Sur, but could recognize since I have heard Panditji's audio track of this Raga numerous times. Panditji was very happy that so many of the audience recognized it.

Then he asked what should he play in remaining 7 minutes. Suggestions ranged from Maand, Yaman, Bhairavi etc. But the suggestion he liked most was 'whichever you like (जो आप चाहो)' and played Pahadi (पहाडी). Audience liked the light music as digestive.

Panditji sat on a chair instead of traditional cross legged position. His hands had a distinct tremor, though it was less than last time I attended his concert in May 2013. The age has caught up.

The theater was very good. Sloping arrangement of seats ensured unhindered line of sight of stage for the audience. Acoustics were also very good. They had a 'No photography' policy and implemented it effectively.

Panditji liked the sound system so much that he called the sound engineer on stage and felicitated him.

An excellent concert and mesmerizing evening. Entertainment rating 8.75/10.

Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma (Santoor)

Attended a concert of Shiv Kumar Sharma (santoor) assisted by Bhavani Shankar (pakhawaj), Ramkumar Mishra (tabla), and Dilip Kale, Panditji's Sr deciple,  (tanpura) at DUCTAC, Dubai on 25th Oct 2013 with Kumar family, Thangaokar family, Banchhode family, Amit, Ashok, Prakash, little Gauri and for the first time Aditi.

First half was pure classical, raag Vachaspsti. He played aalap solo, jod with pakhawaj and jhala with tabla. This was a treat to ears.

In second half he played light classical raag Pahadi. This included his most famous pahadi dhun. Also included were a number of variations and improvisations. Audience enjoyed this section very much.

Panditji peppered the program with his humerous narrative and light hearted comments, which the audience adored.

This was the first time I saw pakhawaj being played live and it was worth it. Bhavani Shankar plays very well. Tabalji was promising but needs to elevate his performance one level, if he has to accompany masters. Tanpura used for the program was a miniature version of the one we are used to seeing and was played by holding it horizontally.

The duration of the program, though, seemed inadequate. This was due to combination of short time of 1.5 hr and absolutely mesmerizing music. A memorable concert.

Rahul Sharma's name was announced but  he did not come. No explanation was given either. Program started almost on time. My seat was close to speakers hence was able to pick up all the minute notes and variations. Temperature of the hall was more than usual but still comfortable.

A very good concert. Rating 9/10. It would have been full marks but for the duration.