16 November,2010 10:51 AM IST | | Kumar Siddharth
As Vasantotsav is set to celebrate its fifth anniversary, The GUIDE got chatting with Rahul Deshpande to figure out the musical line-up at this annual fest
Music aficionados can rejoice as a mega music fest will hit the city where stalwarts like Pandit Jasraj, Pandit Mukul Shivputra, Pandit Vishwamohan Bhatt and Hariharan will share the stage. They will come as part of Vasantotsav, organised by the Dr Vasantrao Deshpande Pratishthan.
Classical singer and grandson of Dr Vasantrao Deshpande has been handling the event since its inception.
"Vasantotsav will continue its tradition of presenting different formats of music to Punekaris. It will feature a blend of classical, fusion, folk and ghazals this year," he said, adding that he wants people to come and listen to some good music and appreciate the melting pot of fusion, Sufi, pop and Hindustani music."
The first day will feature a jugalbandi between Rahul Deshpande and acclaimed singer Swapnil Bandodkar which will be followed by a performance by Pandit Vishwamohan Bhatt with a Rajasthani folk group. Pandit Vijay Ghate will accompany them on the tabla.
On November 20, connoisseurs of music will get to listen to Pandit Mukul Shivaputra, son and disciple of legendary classical singer Pandit Kumar Gandharva. There will also be Sham-E- Ghazal, a live performance by Ghazal maestro Hariharan.
The final day will feature a special programme called Sitar Funk by celebrated Sitar player Niladri Kumar. A large team comprising of Vijay Ghate, Rupak Kulkarni, Gino Banks, Sheldon D'souza, Agnelo Fernandes, Elvis Lobo, Sheetal Kolwalkar and Kaveri Sageder will accompany Niladri Kumar in this programme. The event will conclude with the performance of Padmavibhushan Sangeetmartand Pandit Jasraj.
Other than songs and music, two albums will be unveiled as well, including Rahul Deshpande's upcoming album, Ghazal Darbar, an album of Marathi Ghazals and Abhanga - Mahima, an album of Marathi abhangas by Sant Dnyneshwar, Sant Namdeo, Sant Tukaram and Sant Eknath.
From November 19 to 21, 5.30 pm to 10 pm
At New English School Raman Baug grounds, Shanivar Peth.
Price Season tickets are priced at Rs 5,000, Rs 600, Rs 250 for sofa, chair and Bhartiya Baithak respectively. Ticket sale has started at Balgandharva Rang Mandir, Yashwantrao Chavan Auditorium, Tilak Smarak Mandir and all PNG outlets in Pune.
