Swarit's musical soiree in port city

Music enthusiasts of the port city enjoyed an exceptional orchestra at a classical musical soiree held at Theatre Institute, Chittagong (TIC) this week.

On the occasion of its second founding anniversary, Swarit Lalitkala Kendra organised the music evening, featuring an orchestra presented by seasoned artistes, and solo performances of reputed artistes of the city.

The programme was inaugurated with a choral performance of the artistes from Swarit in raga Bhoopali. Later, Dibakar Kanungo, organising secretary of the organisation, delivered his welcome speech.

As the guests Bangladesh Betar Chittagong, director SM Abul Hossain; Chittagong's famous music organisation Arya Sangeet Samiti's principal Ustad Mihir Lala; flute player Ustad Captain Azizul Islam; Ustad Nirmalendu Chowdhury and Ustad Mihir Nandi addressed the programme, among others.

Following the discussion, an enchanting orchestra, composed by Sangeet Acharjya Surendra Lal Das, was performed by the seasoned artistes of Chittagong. First the artistes performed the orchestra in raga Jhinjhoti, and then raga Pilu. Ustad Mihir Nandi, Mrinal Dasgupta, Arun Saha, Tarun Kanti Das, Dilip Das, Subhash Dasgupta, Shyamal Chnadra Das, Ranadhir Das, Madan Mohan Ghosh, Santimoy Chowdhury performed various musical instruments in the orchestra. 

Artiste Rajesh Saha then took the stage and performed a thumri in raga Khamaj. Sudip Kumar Sengupta, Ritan Kumar Dhar and Madan Mohan Ghosh accompanied on tabla, harmonium and esraj respectively with the artiste.

The pogramme ended with a performance by eminent Mohan Veena artiste Dolan Kanungo. His playing of raga Basanta on the instrument enthralled the audience. Mir Naqibul Islam accompanied the artiste on the tabla.

Rajib Saha was coordinator and Ayesha Haque Shimu emcee of the programme.