Pandit Aloke Chattapadhyay performs in Mymensingh

Pandit Aloke Chattapadhyay performing at the programme

Pandit Aloke, 58, former head of classical music department of Rabindra Bharati University (RBU) ably performed various ragas of classical music, including Desh, Bhupali, Malkosh and raga Shiva Ranjani. The classical maestro was accompanied by Mohammad Shoeb, young classicist of Mymensingh town on the harmonium. Joyasree Shethi performed on the tanpura, while Arop Dey, an eminent artist and a trainer of RBU played on the tabla.

The classical master also performed ascending and descending notes of various ragas (arahi, oborohi) at the request of young learners. Shoeb also accompanied Pandit Aloke on the vocals during his three-hour performance.

Noted personalities attended the function.

The audience gave a positive feedback to the performance. Many asserted that a function such as this, performed by Pandit Aloke, had rarely been witnessed in last 15 years in the town.

At the beginning of the function, representatives of various socio-cultural organisations greeted the artiste with bouquets.

Pandit Aloke was effusive in his praise for the discerning audience. As he said, "I have learned a great deal about this country and its people. In them is engrained a great love for Bengali culture and classical music. I thank them for their warm reception and hospitality. Earlier I performed at a function in Dhaka University and received the same response."