Tag: Chandigarh

Date: 20th June 2024

Time: 6:30PM

Venue: M.L. Koser Indoor Auditorium, Sector 35B, Chandigarh

Pracheen Kala Kendra marked the 94th Birth Anniversary of its esteemed founder, Guru M.L. Koser, with a mesmerizing evening of Sufi and Ghazal music, paying tribute to his enduring legacy in Indian classical arts. The event at the M.L. Koser Indoor Auditorium, Sector 35, Chandigarh, was a heartfelt homage to the visionary who established Pracheen Kala Kendra as a beacon of Indian classical arts for over seven decades.

The highlight of the evening was a soul-stirring Sufi concert by Manish Kabir, a young and talented singer from Amritsar, whose magical voice created an atmosphere of divine bliss. His performance, adorned with melodious ghazals and powerful Sufi renditions, captivated the audience, evoking emotions of devotion and spirituality. The harmonious blend of poetry and music transported the listeners into a world of mysticism, leaving them enchanted.

Manish Kabir was brilliantly accompanied by a team of accomplished musicians who enhanced the musical experience. Gagandeep Dang on Dholak, Devender Kumar on Guitar, Lakshay Kumar on Keyboard, and Pankaj Kumar on Flute added depth and soul to the performance. Jasbir Kumar and Karan Singh provided additional vocal support. At the same time, Vivek on Tabla and Pardeep Kumar on Octapad enriched the rhythmic nuances of the recital.

The event was graced by Secretary Shri Sajal Koser and several dignitaries associated with Pracheen Kala Kendra, who paid tribute to Guru M.L. Koser’s extraordinary contributions to preserving and promoting Indian classical arts. Shri Sajal Koser honoured the performing artists with Uttriyas and Mementos as a mark of appreciation, recognizing their exceptional contribution to the evening.

This spiritually uplifting musical evening served as a fitting tribute to Guru M.L. Koser, celebrating his vision and lifelong dedication to the arts while leaving the audience mesmerized by the magic of Sufi music.

Date: 18th January 2024

Time: 6:30PM

Venue: Tagore Theatre, Chandgiarh

Pracheen Kala Kendra, in collaboration with Polo Hindustani Art Heritage & Cultural Trust, organized a mesmerizing evening of Indian classical music, where renowned city-based vocalist Dr Malkit Singh Jandiala captivated the audience with his soul-stirring performance.

The event was graced by Hon’ble Mr Justice Vinod S. Bhardwaj, Judge, Punjab & Haryana High Court, as Chief Guest. At the same time, Sardar Charan Singh Sapra, Former Trustee of Hazur Sahib, was the Guest of Honor. Several distinguished personalities, including Sh. Rana Gurmeet Sodhi (Former Minister & MLA), Sh. Davinder Pal Singh (Senior Advocate), Sh. Devender Kadyan (Chairman, Mannat Group of Hotels), Sh. Sandeep Sahni (President, Chandigarh Club) and Mr Harold Carver (Founder, St. Stephen’s School) graced the occasion as Special Guests.

Following the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, Dr Malkit Singh Jandiala took centre stage, commencing his recital with Raag Jog, presenting the rarely heard Vilambit Bandish “Piyarwa Ko Bir Maye”. He then moved to a Madhya Laya Bandish “Karam Kartar Ki Jo Mo Pe Aaj”, followed by a Tarana. His recital concluded with a Shabad in Nirdharit Raag Shri, “Rang Rata Mera Sahib”, receiving thunderous applause from the audience. Eminent tabla maestro Ustad Akram Khan provided masterful accompaniment on Tabla and Sh. Sumit Mishra on Harmonium and Ustad Murad Ali on Sarangi, adding to the grandeur of the evening.

The event also featured a book release ceremony, where Dr Malkit Singh Jandiala’s book, “Aadi Granth Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ka Raag Prabandh: Ek Vishleshnatmak Adhyayan”, was unveiled by Sardar Charan Singh Sapra. The book delves into the intricate Raag system of Gurmat Sangeet.

The evening concluded with a felicitation ceremony, where four eminent personalities were honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award:

• Bhai Gurmeet Singh Shant, Hazuri Ragi, Shri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar
• Dr. Shobha Koser, Senior Kathak Guru & SNA Awardee
• Dr. Pankajmala Sharma, Ex-Dean & Chairperson, Panjab University
• Pt. Kale Ram, Legendary Tabla Maestro of Punjab Gharana

At the end of the program, all artists were honoured, with Sh. Sajal Koser, Secretary of Pracheen Kala Kendra, Dr. Shobha Koser, Registrar, and Sh. Amardeep Singh Dahiya, founder of Polo Hindustani Art Heritage & Cultural Trust, extends their appreciation. Sh. Sajal Koser delivered a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the audience, media, distinguished guests, and the performing artists for making the evening a resounding success.

Date: 29th April 2024

Time: 6:30PM

Venue: M.L. Koser Indoor Auditorium, Sector 35B, Chandigarh

Pracheen Kala Kendra marked International World Dance Day with a mesmerizing evening of Kathak dance performances dedicated to the loving memory of Guru Kanhiya Lal Ji, a Kathak maestro par excellence. The event took place at the M.L. Koser Indoor Auditorium, Chandigarh, showcasing the immense talent of Kendra’s students trained under the esteemed Guru-Shishya Parampara.

Guided by the expert direction of Guru Brij Mohan Gangani, Guru Yogesh Sharma, and Mrs. Rakhi, the event featured over 20 students, each displaying remarkable artistry and technical prowess.

The evening commenced with a delightful performance by the little champs under the tutelage of Mrs. Rakhi, presenting a Kathak piece on the bols of the bhajan “Jai Ganpati Jagvandan.” The young dancers—Mohana, Anarghya, Parisha, Mansi, Tanishi, and Saumya—won the audience’s hearts with graceful expressions and rhythmic precision.

Following this, Guru Yogesh Sharma’s students took centre stage, beginning with a serene Vishnu Vandana on the bols “Shantakaram Bhujagshayanam” performed by Vridhi, Tamanna, Himadri, Aashi, and Anadika. This was followed by a captivating Krishna Vandana in Jhap Taal with the bols “Sawali Surat Man Ko Bhai”, presented by Nahian Chowdhury.

The evening further elevated as Rashi Shukla, a disciple of Guru Brij Mohan Gangani, mesmerized the audience with a dynamic presentation of pure Kathak syllables, including tode, tukde, ladi, paran, and farmaisihi chakkar, highlighting the intricate footwork and technical brilliance of the dance form.

The grand finale featured a powerful Durga Stuti with the bol “Jai Jai Mahakali”, beautifully performed by Unnati Sharma and Akshay Sharma, leaving the audience in awe.

Guru Yogesh Sharma accompanied the talented ensemble on Harmonium and Padant, Unnati Sharma on Vocals, Akshay Sharma and Bhaskar on Tabla, and Guru Brij Mohan Gangani on Padant, adding musical depth to the performances.

The evening concluded with encouragement from Dr Samira Koser (Deputy Registrar, Pracheen Kala Kendra), who applauded the students for their dedication and congratulated the Gurus for their unwavering efforts in nurturing the next generation of Kathak artists.

Date: 27th April 2024

Time: 6:30PM

Venue: M.L. Koser Indoor Auditorium, Sector 35B, Chandigarh

Pracheen Kala Kendra organised a special Tabla solo session titled “Preserving Punjab Repertory” at the M.L. Koser Indoor Auditorium. This unique event aimed to uphold the rich Tabla repertory of the Punjab Gharana while providing a platform to nurture and showcase the talent of young artists.

The evening featured two exceptionally gifted Tabla players, Swarit Panchal from Pune and Raghav Priyaye Bhardwaj from Amritsar, both disciples of SNA Awardee Pandit Sushil Jain. Under the guidance of their esteemed Guru, these young percussionists have been honing the intricate techniques of the Punjab Gharana, and their performances reflected the depth of their training.

The evening was further enriched by the expert Lehra accompaniment of Dr Gurpreet Singh Moga, providing a steady melodic framework that complemented the vibrant percussion. The event concluded with a felicitation ceremony, where Sh. Sajal Koser and Pandit Sushil Jain honoured the young artists with mementoes, acknowledging their talent and contribution to the rich legacy of Punjab Gharana’s Tabla tradition.