Sawai Gandharva fest promises blend of old and new talent

Santoor maestro Pandit Tarun Bhattacharya, sarangi player Ram Narayan, sarod player Vishwajeet Roy Chowdhury, vocalist Sanhita Nandi, Rajendra Kandalgaonkar, Rajamiyaan and Bharatnatyam-Kuchipudi dancer Mallika Sarabhai will mesmerise the audience at the 57th Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsav beginning on January 7. They would be performing at the festival for the first time.

Sawai Gandharva music festival, organised by Arya Sangeet Prasarak Mandal and traditionally held in December, was postponed due to outbreak of swine flu. Now, the festival will begin on January 7 and end on January 10, at New English School, Ramanbaug.

The festival has a blend of veteran artistes and promising newcomers. Renowned singers like Pandit Jasraj, Girija Devi, Malini Rajurkar, Prabha Atre, Pandit Satyasheel Deshpande and Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar will perform. Flute maestro Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, sitar player Ustad Shahid Parvez and santoor player Pandit Tarun Bhattacharya are the other star attractions. Sarangi player Pandit Ram Narayan will be accompanied by grandson Harsh in jugalbandi on January 10.

The festival will commence at 4 pm, while the last day will have morning (8 am) and afternoon sessions (4 pm). Organisers have sought permission to hold the programme till midnight on January 10, said executive secretary Shrinivas Joshi.

CONCESSION FOR STUDENTS

Students below 25 years will seasonal tickets of Rs 350 at Rs 150 after producing I-cards, said organisers. Tickets of Bharatiya Baithak are available at Navdikar Music House. Couch and chair tickets available at Dinshaw & Co, Behere Ambewale, Shirish Traders.