Club Classic

In the last one year,a number of classical performers have taken up such alternative spaces,apart from the conventional backdrop of venues such as old forts and auditoriums. Various clubs in Delhi-NCR are picking up this trend — Zorba,Hard Rock Café,Café One Boulevard and Turquoise Cottage,to name a few.

“Classical music venues are drying up. Where does the classical musician go? I think this is one reason why clubs are coming up as venues for such music,” explains Sufi music exponent,Madan Gopal,who recently performed with his group,Chaar Yaar,at Bluefrog. “Though only 15 people turned up for the performance and I was disheartened,I still think it’s a very fine place,these clubs,” he adds.

What makes such clubs a preferred venue for classical musicians is the sophisticated sound system they offer. At Zorba in Sultanpur,near Gurgaon,classical performances are a hit. “We have realised that classical music has a huge connect with people here,bigger than any other genre,and we decided to pursue it,” says Ranjan Chopra,owner of Zorba.

Of course,it hasn’t been easy for the clubs. There were doubts about the way the crowds will receive such performances and if classical musicians will agree to step in such a space. “We were not apprehensive about the sound system; we were more worried about hurting the sensibilities of purists. We had to take the risk and fortunately,it has resulted in a monthly property called Soulful Sundays,” informs Rajesh Ahuja,head of live programming and communications at Bluefrog,Delhi.

Among the most popular classical musicians to have earned space at gigspots and clubs across Delhi is Dhruv Sangari,who has performed at Hard Rock Café,Hookah and Turquoise Cottage. “In a way,a whole generation is rediscovering classical music now,but somewhere it’s also a fashion statement. Done in the haze of alcohol at clubs,it kind of trivialises this music,” says Sangari. As a rule,he announces in the beginning of his performance that those who want to consume alcohol should shift near the bar.

A classical performance in a club-like venue does break a few rules and while most musicians aren’t thrilled with the idea of alcohol floating around in front of them,Qadir Niazi of Niazi-Nizami Brothers feels the venue itself means nothing. “I perform at the Nizzamuddin dargah on Thursdays and I have played at clubs too; it doesn’t matter. Sunne waale ka dil hona chahiye,bas (it’s the audience that matters) ,” he says.