Aarambh, a new initiative on classical performing arts by Raza Foundation, was kicked off here on Wednesday evening.
The event at Triveni Kala Sangam witnessed performances by Mandar Gadgil, a singer of the Khayal gayaki tradition and Odissi dancer Paridhi Joshi.
Pune-based vocalist Gadgil set the tone for the event with an evening raga, beginning with the Vilambit Khayal composition featuring the bandish, Gokul Gaon ka Chora.
Complemented by Pandit Vinod Lele on tabla and Vinay Mishra on harmonium, Gadgil created a balance of alaap, sur, taan and laykaari.
The classical vocalist followed up this rendition with a Drut Khayal based on the bandish Nainan Mein Aan Baan. Both compositions have been extensively sung in the past by the iconic Pandit Bhimsen Joshi.
"My main emphasis has always been about sur and the aesthetic development of the raga," he said.
With an aim to provide opportunities for the young in fields of classical music and dance, the Aarambh series has been initiated by Raza foundation
, in keeping with the mission of its founder, S H Raza, to support and nurture young talents.
In the next one year, Aarambh will invite two artistes, with a total of 25 artistes, from different genres from various parts of the country every month to perform before discerning audiences in Delhi.
Emphasising the importance of the platform for young performers, Gadgil said, "Nowadays people don't turn up for concerts if there are no senior artists. In this regard, Aarambh offers huge motivation and support that every artist needs."
Taking a cue from the celebrations marking the homecoming of Goddess Durga, Odissi dancer Paridhi Joshi began her recital with Dhyayeth Suvarna Varna (Devi Stuti).
Highlighting the lyricism of Odissi, Joshi described the beauty of the goddess, an embodiment of strength and divinity, through her fluid movements and delightful abhinaya.
"I try to be interactive with my eyes on stage. I consider the eyes to be the most important feature for a classical dancer. The ability to speak with my eyes is my greatest gift," Joshi said.
Joshi, a dancer with the Bangalore-based Nrityantar Dance Ensemble, and a pupil of Odissi exponent Madhulita Mohapatra, inaugurated the second leg of her performance with the Janasammohini raga-based Pallavi, an integral component of the Odissi repertoire that's marked by melody and rhythm.
Her performance, characterised by exquisite sculptural body movements, was taken to the next level with vocals by Shri Prashanta Kumar Behera, flute by Dhiraj Kumar Pandey, pakhawaj by Prashant Maharana and violin by Ajzaal Zahoor Ahmed.
The next edition of Aarambh will feature performances by Manipuri dancer Kankana Singh from Kolkata and Hindustani classical vocalist Meenal Naatu from Mumbai on October 23 and 24.
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