Meet the Maestros

For 150 years,some of the most eminent classical artistes of the era have made a beeline for Vrindavan to showcase their skills at the Swami Haridas Sangeet Evam Nritya Mahotsav.

For 150 years,some of the most eminent classical artistes of the era have made a beeline for Vrindavan to showcase their skills at the Swami Haridas Sangeet Evam Nritya Mahotsav. The tradition continues this year,too,with Odissi dancer Sonal Mansingh and singers Gundecha Brothers in the line-up.

The latest edition begins today with vocalist Chhanulal Mishra,the doyen of the Kirana gharana performing his classical pieces. In keeping with the setting of Vrindavan,where Krishna spent his childhood,Mansingh will recreate the magic of Krishna Leela through a piece titled Krishna Raah Rachi.

While senior artistes consider the festival a prestigious platform,it is the juniors for whom this could be a stepping stone to the future. The youngest performer this year is 14-year-old Hemant Brijwasi,who couch potatoes will recognise as the winner of Zee Sare Ga Ma Lil Champs in 2009. Brijwasi will present a musical performance in Braj Bhasha. The other young name is flautist Rakesh Chaurasia,who is carrying forward the legacy of his guru and uncle Hariprasad Chaurasia. Critics have lauded the young Chaurasias balance of strength and serenity on the flute.

The Nizami Brothers,masters of sufiana qawwali,are back this year too,says Gopi Goswami,secretary of Sangeet Shiromani Swami Haridas Samiti,which organises the festival.

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