Witness a unique Hindustani classical concert presenting a selection of bandishes (compositions) by the late Pandit C. R. Vyas, a legendary vocalist whose musical legacy continues to resonate.
Devotion to a guru, spirituality, nature, love and everyday life all found expression in the bandishes of Padma Bhushan Pandit C. R. Vyas. Composing under the pen name Gunijaan, he created more than 200 compositions exploring a wide range of themes. Conceived by his son, Shashi Vyas, the concert brings these compositions to the stage, with narration revealing the stories and ideas behind them.
Trained in the Kirana, Gwalior and Agra gharanas, Pandit Vyas developed a distinctive style as a vocalist, composer and teacher. His deep understanding of traditional and lesser-known ragas also led him to create new ones, including Dhankoni Kalyan, Sanjoga and Shiv-Abhogi.
Conceptualised by Shashi, the concert features four vocalists. Suresh Bapat brings a repertoire rooted in tradition, shaped by years of training under eminent gurus and his own sensitivity to expression. Kedar Kelkar, who currently studies under Pandit Suhas Vyas, combines his grounding in Hindustani classical music with formal training in natyasangeet.
Noopur Gadgil has trained for more than two decades under Pandit Madhukar Gajanan Rao Joshi in the Gwalior, Agra and Jaipur traditions. She won the All India Radio Classical Music Competition at 17 and is a recipient of the Sri Shanmukhananda Bharatratna Dr M. S. Subbulakshmi Fellowship. Anuja Zokarkar, daughter and disciple of Vidushi Kalpana Zokarkar, comes from a musical family in Indore. Alongside Hindustani classical music, her repertoire includes semi-classical forms such as thumri, dadra, kajri and chaiti.
Mandar Puranik accompanies the vocalists on tabla, with Sudhanshu Gharpure on harmonium. Smt Mangala Khadilkar narrates the programme, offering insights into the experiences that shaped these compositions.
This performance is supported by Reliance Foundation.
Event venue
The Studio Theatre, NMACC, Jio World Centre, G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400051, India
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