Stringed to classical notes

Sursagar, in association with ITC Sangeet Research Academy, Alliance Francaise and supported by Canara Union, will present Hindustani Raagdhaari Sangeet featuring sitarist Partha Chatterjee and Medha Basu. “I am coming to present traditional music from the repertoire of Hindustani in its pure classical form, and yet aim to entertain people in Bengaluru,” says 74-year-old Partha over phone from his home in Kolkata. Yet, classical music has its own vitality as it has survived thousands of years and will last for many more thousand of years.” Classical music is the ultimate path for music, Partha says. I would listen to many sitar players on the radio in those days.” Kolkata is the hub for instrumental music, Partha says. There was a time when the culture of sitar, sarod and tabla peaked in Kolkata.” In south India, Partha says, families followed the traditional approach of promoting classical music by inviting teachers to their homes to teach.