Swaranjali to kick off 2019 cultural calendar

The much awaited 'Swaranjali' classical music festival will kick off the cultural calendar for 2019. Swaranjali is (reverence of swaras or musical notes) festival was launched in 2002 to pay homage to the Pt Suresh Haldankar, Pt Jitendra Abhisheki and Pandit CR.Vyas. These three late gurus bestowed guidance and contributed to the in-depth knowledge of the classical music of Pt Prabhakar Karekar.

This year 'Swaranjali will feature some of the music doyens like santoor legend Pt Shivkumar Sharma, Begum Parveen Sultana, Vidwan TH Vikku Vinayakram, Vidwan V Selvaganesh, Ust. Taufiq Qureshi, Pt Venkatesh Kumar, Devaki Pandit and Arati Ankalikar.

On Thursday, 3rd January 2019 the first day of the Swranjali concert will begin with a mellifluous, robust and vibrant voice by the veteran vocalist Pt Venkatesh Kumar from Gwalior and Kirana gharana. The evening will conclude with the majestic voice of Patiala Gharana and the recipient of Padma Bhushan and Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee Begum Parveen Sultana.

Vocalist Kumar said: “I've grown up listening to all these maestros. I am honoured that Pt Prabhakar Karekar invited me to perform on this distinguished platform.” Patiala gharana doyenne Begum Parveen Sultana told DNA: “This is a charity event and proceeds will go towards providing scholarships to upcoming artistes. I'm grateful to Swaraprabha trust for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the tribute festival again.”

On Friday 4th January 2019, the evening will begin with two-time national awardee classical vocalist vocalist Arati Ankalikar-Tikekar who is known for her unique high-pitch singing and style which blends the best in Agra as well as the Gwalior and Jaipur-Atrauli gharanas. The evening will conclude with santoor legend Pt Shivkumar Sharma, widely known not just as a great composer and musician but also music guru..

On Saturday 5th January 2019 last day of the festival, the concert will begin with the deeply devotional voice of Devaki Pandit. Swarnajali 2019 concert will conclude with unique classical fusion performance by Vidwan T. H. Vikku Vinayakram, Vidwan V Selvaganesh, Taufiq Qureshi and Aditya Kalyanpur.

The Swaraprabha Trust came founded by classical artiste Pt Karekar is dedicated solely to spreading and propagating music primarily in its classical form. The prime objective is to promote young vocal artistes and to aid young students of classical music.