University of music

Started on September 1,1911 by Bhaskarbua Bakhale,the Samaj has been working on spreading the essence of Indian classical music amongst music lovers. “When Bakhale thought of starting such an institute,he was encouraged by the other members of the famous Kirloskar Natak Company. Being located in the Kirloskar theatre,it was initially known as the Kirloskar Bharat Gayan Samaj,” says Suhas Datar of the Samaj.

With relocations to places such as Deolalikar Wada near Gadi Khana,Tulsi Baug,Barve Wada,it was in 1933 that the institute was shifted to the current location. With the syllabus designed by Master Krishnarao,one of the disciples of Bakhale Bua,the Samaj offers Visharad and Parangat as the two certificates in seven art forms including vocal,harmonium,tabla,sitar,violin,Bharatnatyam and Kathak. “Our certificates are recognised by the Government of Maharashtra and students who complete the seven-year course with us work as music teachers across the state,” says Datar.

Having produced countless masters in the world of Indian classical music,the legacy of the place is such that it boasts of performances by legends in the field of Hindustani Sangeet. “From Faiyaz Khan to Chhota Gandharva and from Bal Gandharva and Firoze Dastur to Pandit Bhimsen Joshi,I have been fortunate enough to listen to the performances by almost all the masters,” smiles Datar.

With 10 programmes conducted every year,the place has also been involved in publishing books based on Indian classical music. The library at the Samaj boasts of over 4000 books on various topics related to music. What remains a striking fact is that despite the changes in the field of music,the foundation of the institute is unaltered since its inception. “Many complain that the quality of music has been depleting day by day. My observation is that there are many who have been learning for teaching,but the ones who want to be performers are one amongst 100,” he concludes.