Cultural treat awaits Obamas at Rashtrapati Bhavan

As India’s most distinguished guest settles in,an opera piece in Khasi — presented by the Shillong Chamber Choir (a 16-member team that won this year’s India’s Got Talent 2 competition) — will kick-off a 20-minute entertainment programme. While the girls in the choir will be dressed in white-and-red sarees,its male members will be wearing black-and-gold sherwanis.

“The External Affairs Ministry got in touch with us much before we won the competition. Later,Member of Parliament Milind Deora visited us in Shillong. He was aware of the kind of music we are involved with and appreciated it,” says Damon Lyndem,a member of the choir.

Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao had also been in constant touch with them,to the extent of selecting the playlist. Her brief was clear — showcase India’s culture but include some jazzy numbers too.

The choir has finally zeroed in on four songs. After the opening piece,they will sing a jazzed-up version of Yeh Dosti from the film Sholay. “This would be our tribute to Indo-American friendship,” says Jessica Shaw Lyngdoh,who sings soprano. This will be followed by To God be the glory — a popular 19th-Century hymn composed by William Howard Doane and penned by American lyricist Fanny Crossby. The programme will end with Deep River — an Afro-American hymn. “We are singing this because he is likely to identify the most with it. The arrangements,which will be basic,will highlight what we do best — choral music,” says Lyndem.

After the event at the Durbar Hall,the American President will be led to the splendid Mughal Gardens for a state dinner with President Pratibha Patil,Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and a slew of other diplomats.

Here,folk musicians from Rajasthan will collaborate with Indian classical artistes on sitar,violin,flute and tabla to enthrall the guests. According to reliable sources,Delhi-based violinist Sharat Chandra Srivastava and sitarist Yaar Mohammad will perform in this segment.

The final performance will be a presentation of three forms of classical dance. Leading exponents of Kathak,Bharatnatyam and Odissi will perform for the august gathering. The dancers have been shortlisted by Seher,a Delhi-based NGO that organises the well-known Ananya dance festival. But Viraf Sarkari,COO of Wizcraft,is tight-lipped about the names of performers. “It is an effort to showcase the heritage of India. Let’s have some surprise element intact,” he said.

Official sources said the banquet will also have extensive display of fireworks,considering that it is happening just after Diwali. The Obamas will be treated to a visual extravaganza of pyrotechnics,even as the country’s powerful and elite interact with them on Monday night.