Musical waves

For the last 13 years,Tulankar and Joshi have raised the curtains of a stage graced by both maestros and upcoming classical music artistes. In its 14th year too,the Late Pandit S V Kanhere Memorial Concert will capture the magic of the jaltarang – the performing instrument which was closest to their grandfather’s heart. “It was Milind who initially executed his idea of such a concert. I joined in much later and we formed Gandhar – a musical concert management organisation,” says Joshi,adding,“Our grandfather was blessed with a versatile personality. He was a physical education teacher,a body builder and then a bright student of music. He began playing the jaltarang from the young age of 25 and continued perfecting it right till the end.” They say some souls linger on,and if late Pandit S V Kanhere is watching,he will be proud of the audience thatthe duo has given his beloved instrument. “I came to Pune from Amravati in 1993 to pursue a career in music. My mentor was my grandfather and I have tried to carry forward his legacy,” says Tulankar.

The concert,which is free for anyone with an ear for music,has included interesting experimentation. “That is solely to bring the jaltarang into the mainstream. Fusion,when done right,enhances the qualities of an instrument. We have combined the jaltarang with a dance performance and with the flute,” reveals Tulankar. The soft,dulcet tunes of the instrument make it rare and exclusive. “Last year,as I played out sweet-sounding melodies,artist Milind Mullick visualised it on canvas. The combination was very well-received by the audience and has even piqued the interest of the younger generation,” he adds.

In this performance extravaganza,the spotlight will also beam down on upcoming artistes.“It is a platform for all. This year,we have Savani Talwalkar(tabla- daughter of tabla maestro Pandit Suresh Talwalkar),Aaditya Khandwe (vocalist – surmani,winner of Pandit D V Paluskar award and recipient of Govt Of India scholarship for music),Sarang Kulkarni(sarod – winner: SAAM Gurukul),and Raees Khan (sitar – nephew of Ustad Usman Khan). Accompanying them will be well-known artistes like Milind Kulkarni,Charudatta Phadke,Pandit Ramdas Palsule to name a few,” says Joshi.

The two-day concert will conclude with Tulankar’s jaltarang performance. “Till last year,it was just a day-long concert,but due its growing popularity,we have decided to have it across two days. Next year,with the great artistes who have promised to grace our stage,it will go on for three days,” saysTulankar.

Another highlight will be the mini-exhibition of new and rare musical instruments like the vichitra veena,jaltarang,kasht tarang,morchand and so on. “Once,in Satara,our grandfather held a big exhibition that showcased his collection of 50 such instruments. Though ours is on a much smaller scale,we hope that it will help people learn more about music,” says Joshi,adding,“It is our dream to one day make this concert like a Sawai Gandharva Festival for upcoming artistes.” And going by the passion and fervour reflected in their eyes,the goal doesn’t seem too distant.

(The concert will be held on January 25 & 26 at MES Society’sauditorium at Bal Shikshan Mandir,Karve Road.)