An evening of Tagore and Nazrul songs
Eminent and upcoming artistes of Tagore and Nazrul songs performed to a packed audience at the programme titled Bhora Thak Smriti Shudhaye.
In his welcome speech, Deputy High Commissioner Sarvajeet Chakravarti thanked the Ministry of Cultural Affairs for the recent three-year cultural exchange signed between the two countries. "This would further enhance the cultural ties between the two countries," he said.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The Dhaka University choir, Surma took the stage with a medley of songs by Tagore and Nazrul; Aguner poroshmoni and Dao shourjo dao dhoirji. The programme was followed by Bhaswar Banerjee's recitation from Tagore's Balaka. Distinguished singer Rezwana Chowdhury Bannya performed Aamar din phuralo. Mita Haque enthralled the audience with her rendition of Majhey Majhey tobo dekha pai. Bulbul Islam's presentation of Aachey dukhkho, and Aditi Mohsin's Aacho ontorey were well appreciated. The other singers who performed were Azizul Rahman (Jokhon podbey na mor), Shahnaz Nasrin Ila (Pathey choley jetey), Shama Rahman (Aamarey tumi oshesh) and Lily Islam (Bhora thak smriti shudha).
The second part comprised artistes of Nazrul songs. Bhaswar Banerjee recited Rabihara which was written by Nazrul after the demise of Tagore. Yaqub Ali presented Phuler jalsai, Sharmin Shathi sang Shur o banir mala, Yasmeen Mushtari presented Nahi Maney hiarey aamar while Khairul Anam Shakeel presented a Shyama Sangeet Shyama namer laglo. Pragna Laboni recited from Nazrul's Sindhu.
Dr Mridul Kanti Chakravarty, the programme planner in his inaugural speech, presented an excerpt from the song Shobar Hridoye Rabindranath Chetonaye Nazrul, (Tagore and Nazrul are embedded in our hearts). Indeed the innovative music of both has brought in a whiff of fresh air in the world of Bangla music.
However, programmes with similar format are noticed throughout the year. The audience expects a variation of songs, both theme and presentation-wise.