Audience spellbound at a concert to remember

Sitar or sarod, tabla or sarangi, dhrupad or khayal, ghazal or raga, tala or gharana- these are known in all corners of the world representing Hindustani Art Music - in reality, a part of Indian Classical Music, a rich tradition that originated in South Asia dating back to Vedic scriptures over thousands of years ago where chants developed a system of musical notes and rhythmic cycles. Indian Classical Music is so closely connected to nature, inspired by the seasons and times of the day to create ‘ragas’ or musical moods and many time cycles or ‘taals’ that have been further codified and improvised to provide uniqueness and freedom to each performing artist. This was exemplified by the trio of Shankh Lahiri on tabla, Dr. Kanada Narahari on sitar, and Pandit Nandkishor Muley on santoor. The concert happened on Saturday, April 10th, 2021, and was presented by The Brevard Indian Classical Music Society at Brevard Hindu Mandir. The musical event was sponsored by Brevard Indo-American Medical and Dental Association.

Dr Kanada Narahari is a highly accomplished sitar player who has performed all around the globe. His father Vidvan is a renowned Sanskrit scholar, poet, and author. He was exposed to Indian performing arts, Music, and literature at a very tender age. After spending years of Carnatic classical vocal under Vidushi Shreedevi Aravind, he began his new journey with his mentor, Pundit Sanjeev Korthi. He is also qualified as an Ayurvedic Doctor and easily infuses Music into his therapeutic practice. His major work on all streaming platforms includes Nadi, a collaboration with South African musician, and Vistar, a classical music album.

Coming from a family of Indian Classical Music, Shankh Lahiri entirely devoted his life to Music. He is the son of the sitarist and Guru Shri Rabindranath Lahiri. He is the devoted senior disciple of world-renowned Tabla maestro Pandit Nayan Ghosh. Shankh is the Founder & Director of the Shruti Foundation, a nonprofit charitable organization and Shruti School of Music based in Tampa, Florida, that promotes Indian Classical Music through teaching, Workshops, and Concerts.

Santoor maestro Nandkishor Muley is considered a world-renowned performer of an ancient, delicate trapezoid-shaped string musical instrument generally made of walnut, with hundred strings. Nandkishor comes from a long lineage of musicians, particularly his father, Dattatraya, a highly regarded Veena player, and uncle Shrikant Muley, a professor of sitar. He holds a Master's degree in Indian Music and Kathak dance from the M.S. University of Baroda. He has been accredited with the German Grammy Award, the famous ìSurmaniî award, the Excellence Art and Cultural Educator award from United Arts of Florida, just to name a few. He is an adjunct professor of Indian Music and dance at Stetson University and the University of Central Florida in Orlando. In addition to his indomitable presence in the Indian classical music world, his accomplishments in the world of fusion are unprecedented.

Inside the filled to the capacity venue and after I had the pleasure and honor to introduce three aforementioned renowned elite musicians, the men came to the stage. Pandit Nandkishore addressed the audience. His banter was very humble, and his modest character was a joy to behold.

The first piece they played was an early evening raga Puryakalyan. After some tuning, Dr Narhari, and Pt. Nandkishore began the alap (an unmetered invocation that precedes the main body of the raga). It was a delicately recited musical poem. They showed both great delicacy and amazing technical proficiency.

Then came the gat (the main body and melody of the raga) when Shankh matched the poetic delicacy that was shown in the alap. He took on a rhythmic display to contribute to the beauty of the raga. The range of sounds that reverberated around the walls and expressive voices was astonishing. They started exploring the permeation and possibility within the tal (rhythmic pattern). They were having fun disassembling the rhythm and reassembling it in shapes and combinations of their choosing. All this was executed with ease and no forethought. When they segued into the jhala (the fast section that concludes a raga), the audience was simply spellbound!

After a brief intermission, we welcomed our distinguished guest and keynote speaker, Mr. Braham Aggarwal - Central Florida's preeminent Citizen. Mr. Aggarwal is the Founder of the Hindu University of America. Many of us have enjoyed his generous gift of the 'Temples of India' book. This was followed by the second half of the program when the musicians mesmerized us with raga Khamaj with a different mood and style. The three music masters proved they hadn’t nearly exhausted their repository of musical virtuosity. After more effortless displays of musical pyrotechnics, they began the jhala at breakneck speed.

The beauty their Music immersed the listeners in was overwhelming. Throughout, the musicians displayed humility and humorous exuberance. They were having fun!

I have attended many concerts of classical Indian raga over the years. But this musical night was a unique experience cherishing the rich culture and heritage of our Hindustani Classical Music while enjoying the traditional Indian vegetarian delicacies from our very own, Leena Patel’s catering. Starting from samosas, fritters, and masala chai to a full course scrumptious dinner arranged at the Temple’s newly renovated outdoor patio deck, everything was made of freshly ground herbs and spices, enhancing its aroma and flavor.

This musical journey is the vision of Dr Subhash Rege, retired dentist and lifelong music aficionado. With the meticulous planning of Glad Kurian - Bimda impresario and a former performing musician himself, Dr Rege’s dream of promoting music by his Guruji Nandkishor Muley, came to grand fruition. Joined by Dr Mahesh Soni, an avid music lover as well, the three co-founders of Bimda helped celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the founding of Bimda with this lovely musical showcase. We plan to present an annual musical concert in this series.

Please enjoy a small sample of the photo gallery supplied by Arron Lampkin. Click on the image to enlarge.

To see the full gallery you can visit Complete Gallery by Arron Lampkin