The young and the tradition bound

Indian Classical music dates back to an ancient era with mention of it in the Vedas the oldest scripture of Hinduism Classical music has traversed several centuries and though it has witnessed many changes in its course traditional forms are still alive retaining their essence Innumerable musicians have strived to keep this music alive and even today several young musicians are practicing and performing traditional classical forms to ensure coming generations are able to get a glimpse into the wonderful and joyous world of Indian music Tabla player Aditya Kalyanpur SazeBahar is a twoday music festival with a similar aim mdash to introduce audiences to the beauty of Indian classical music using traditional instruments The festival kickstarting today is being hosted by the NCPA and will feature Aditya Kalyanpur Tabla Rupak Kulkarni Bansuri Murad Ali Sarangi and Kushal Das Sitar Face the music ldquoThe first classification of musical instruments happened in Indiardquo says Dr Suvarnalata Rao head programming Indian Music NCPA Dr Rao will share such interesting facts at preevent talks that will be held on both days of the festival focusing on the history and importance of Indian classical instruments She adds that music found mention in Bharatarsquos Natyashastra which dates back to 200 BC Sarangi player Murad Ali ldquoBharata has spoken about the instruments in great detail Even in the Mahabharata musical instruments have been mentionedrdquo she adds According to her festivals like SazeBahar help encourage Indian musical instrumentalists their music and Indian classical music on the whole Tabla player Aditya Kalyanpur who will be performing today feels that such festivals are an amazing way to promote and encourage classical music among youngsters ldquoThough Classical music has a niche audience it should be promoted among people who do not know about it The common man should come music is to be felt and experienced and everyone should experience itrdquo believes the 33yearold musician Sarangi player Murad Ali adds that this event offers instrumental music a great platform ldquoWhere many instruments are used as accompaniments for vocals it is great that here instruments like the tabla and sarangi are getting a solo stagerdquo he says Youth power The other important aspect of this festival is that every performer is a young musician ldquoWhen the young audience sees youngsters on stage they also feel encouraged to take up classical musicrdquo shares 35yearold Murad Ali He feels that the number of young musicians is on the rise as also is the number of youngsters wanting to learn musical instrumentsu00a0Kalyanpur adds ldquoI keep getting an increasing number of calls from people who want to learn from merdquo He also runs a foundation that provides a platform to young artists ldquoI feel there is a lot more exposure now and people are listening to all kinds of music including classical musicrdquo he says ldquoEvent and festival organisers need to give more youngsters a platform to perform and showcase their talentrdquo summarises Ali On Today and tomorrow 615 pm Entry Rs 100 At Experimental Theatre NCPA Nariman Point Call 22824567 66223724u00a0