Classical music concert mesmerises audience
Fresh flowers adorned earthen vases in different corners of the stage. The dimly lit dais created the perfect milieu for the master to display his skills. The chairperson of the department, Rezwana Choudhury Bannya welcomed the two guests with bouquets of flowers and a vote of thanks on behalf of the department. A short speech by Dr Mridulkanti Chakrabarty followed. The Deputy High Commissioner of India was also present.
The performance began with a khayal in raga Iman followed by raga Bhupali. On request from the audience Professor Chattopa-dhyay presented a popular thumri, Katey na biroheri raat.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. At the age of eight, Chattopa-dhyay began his formal education in classical music. He took his first lessons from the renowned Kirana gharana artiste, late Salil Kumar Bhoumik who was the student of the great teacher Pandit Narayan Rao Joshi. He further got his education from Dr Jamini Nath Gangopadhyay. Chattopadhyay was also taught by Pandit Gyan Prakash Ghosh and Ustad Mohammad Sabiruddin Khan.
At the age of 16, he was attracted to the singing (gayoki) style of Ustad Amir Khan and followed that closely. Later in his life Chattopa-dhyay was highly influenced by Ustad Bohore Wahid Khan.
While he performed to a receptive audience, Chattopadhyay took the opportunity to spread the message of friendship between India and Bangladesh.