A Sublime Evening of Gayaki and Grace
The air at Alston Ridge Middle School on April 5th, 2026, was charged with anticipation that only a maestro of Pandit Ajoy Chakraborty’s stature can command. The evening, hosted by ICMDS, was not merely a concert—it was a transcendental journey through Indian classical music.
The “Bard of Shrutinandan” opened with Kazi Nazrul Islam’s “Surer o bani mala diye tumi”, transporting the audience into a realm of pure artistry.
A Masterclass in the Patiala Gharana
As a student of the Patiala Gharana, witnessing Guruji was a lesson in surrender to sound. The intricate gayaki, subtle avirbhav–tirobhav, and fluid transitions defined the evening.
The Repertoire: From Bageshri to Megh Malhar
- Raag Bageshri: Soulful bilambit followed by drut khayal and a mesmerizing tarana.
- Tribute to Legends: Dadra “Kis musibaat se baasey” and Thumri “Aaye na balam”.
- Devotional Depth: Kabir’s bhajan “Moko kahan dhoondere bande”.
- Cinematic Fusion: “Garaj garaj aaj megh” from Bandish Bandits.
Educational Discourse at UNC Chapel Hill
On April 8th, Guruji conducted a deep discourse on riyaaz, taans, laya, and taal. His comparison of Western and Indian classical traditions added rare intellectual depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where and when did the concert take place?
April 5th, 2026 at Alston Ridge Middle School, followed by a session on April 8th at UNC Chapel Hill.
Who organized the event?
Hosted by ICMDS with support from Sankalp RTP, Radio Nyra, and SAM IT.
Which Raagas were featured?
Raag Bageshri, Raag Megh Malhar, and compositions from Nazrul Geeti and Thumri traditions.
What was covered in the UNC session?
Riyaaz techniques, taans, rhythm discipline, and comparison of Indian vs Western classical music.
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