The 29th National Classical Music Conference concluded on Thursday evening in Chattogram with a captivating flute performance in Raag Maru Behag, marking the end of a three-day celebration of South Asian classical music.
Sadarang Classical Music Council Bangladesh organized the event dedicated to the legendary “Shehnai Emperor” Ustad Bismillah Khan at Theatre Institute, Chattogram.
The final day began at 9:00am with a morning session in Raag Sarang.
Young Chattogram vocalist Swastika Dasgupta Hoimi presented a khayal recital, accompanied by Rajib Chakraborty on tabla, Arpita Debi Dola on harmonium, and Ruchira Barua on tanpura.
This was followed by a solo flute performance by young artist Ananya Das, with accompaniment from her guru Randhir Das on tabla.
A seminar was then held on the topic “The Importance of Lyrics and Rhythm in Classical Music.” chaired by Professor Dr Mustafizur Rahman Siddiqui.
Pandit Dr Swarnamoy Chakraborty delivered the keynote speech while Professor Dr Mohammad Shahid Ullah Lipon spoke as discussant.
The concluding segment of the conference began at 5:00pm with a group flute recital in Raags Pilu Baroa and Jhinjhit, performed by students of Banshidwani. Amit Chowdhury Dipto accompanied them on tabla.
A goodwill message from the inaugural artist Riaz Wayezz was read out by Samir Chakraborty, General Secretary of Sadarang.
The evening’s solo performances opened with a khayal in Raag Bageshree by Chattogram-based vocalist Falguni Barua Oli, accompanied by Rajib Chakraborty on tabla, Arpita Debi Dola on harmonium, and Ruchira Barua on tanpura.
Khulna artist Saiful Tankar then performed a khayal in Raag Nand accompanied by Prashanta Kumar Das of Thakurgaon on tabla, Ratin Tikadar on harmonium, and Mir Enayet Ullah Sani on tanpura.
The final performance of the conference was delivered by Sarat Kumar Pal from Rajshahi, who presented a flute recital in Raag Maru Behag, accompanied on tabla by Dhaka-based artist Zakir Hossain.
The conference concluded with a lively dhun, after which presenters Rajshree Bishwas and Arpita Debi Dola officially declared the end of the event, inviting music lovers to join again next year.
