Sound of music

Classical music need not necessarily be the favourite of the older generation. Today's younger lot seems to be taking a keen interest in it and is seen keeping the tradition alive. This is proven by 10 children who will be performing at the National Centre of the Performing Arts (NCPA) this week on the eve of Children's Day.

Ten children will sing classical ragas in Udaan on the eve of Children's Day

"All the children have received training in classical music from a very young age. They will be singing a fusion of Hindustani classical music, Carnatic music accompanied with western influences," says Varsha Bhave, who is a trained classical singer herself and also the music director and co-ordinator of the event.

The programme is meant only for children below 14 years of age. The audience will enjoy listening to taranas and bandish of the classical music at the event.
Pune-based Malavika Dixit who is one of the participants, has trained since the age of six in Hindustani classical music. "I am looking forward to this program.

We will be singing the compositions of Varshaji. Some of the ragas that we will be singing are Aahir Bhairav and Malhar. We practice our pieces everyday. I enjoy singing Ahir bhairav raga as it has a soft melody. The famous song Albela sajan aayo re from the movie Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam is an example of this raga," says Dixit.

"Our ragas will be supported by heavy instruments such as pakhawaj that will add its charm to the musical evening," explains another participant Apoorva Kalangan.

"With the increasing influence of western culture, children may actually miss out on our Indian traditional art forms. Through our programme, we hope to bridge this cultural gap and inspire other children to take up classical music," concludes Bhave.

When: November 13, 12 pm onwards
Where: Experimental Theatre, NCPA, NCPA Marg, Nariman Point
Call: 22824567
Entry: Freeu00a0