– by Sampada Mudgalkar Jatkar

26 Apr 2025

On a crisp spring evening, the walls of our home pulsed with the soul of Indian classical music as Gandharva Mahavidyalaya North America (GMV NA) hosted a truly unforgettable Basant Baithak. This special concert featured a rich vocal prelude by the talented Tanveer Singh Sapra, followed by a landmark harmonium solo performance by the legendary Dr. Ravindra Katoti. It was an evening of emotional depth, musical mastery, and significant firsts for our organization. One of these firsts was GMV NA’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent, as we firmly believe that the future of this art form is built not just on established artists, but on the new and promising voices within our communities. Another significant first for us was hosting a harmonium solo performance, marking a milestone in our cultural programming.

The concert began with a soul-stirring vocal performance by Tanveer Singh Sapra, a 7th-generation Gwalior Gharana artist based in Chicago. Accompanied by Sumith Naik on tabla and Praneet Marathe, on harmonium, Tanveer delivered an offering filled with depth, precision, and devotion. His performance was a vivid display of the hallmarks of the Gwalior gayaki, marked by its directness and emotional depth. Tanveer’s music didn’t merely fill the room, it invited us in, creating a deep personal connection with every note. Sumith’s tabla playing was impeccable, with precise and delicate rhythms that complemented the flow of both Tanveer and Dr. Katoti’s performances. Praneet’s accompaniment on harmonium added emotional depth to the music, resonating with the audience and enhancing the overall experience.”

The concert then moved into Dr. Katoti’s solo, a first-of-its-kind for our organization, showcasing the harmonium as a powerful melodic voice. As I was listening to him play, I was reminded of a deeply insightful thought he shared earlier in the day during the harmonium workshop, which encapsulates his philosophy on music: “The instrument we play may be static, but the music itself — the aalap, the swar, the essence — is dynamic and ever-evolving.” That evening, we truly felt this dynamic flow in his performance, where the music engaged the audience and transcended the sound of the instrument itself. At times, his playing, to my ears, evoked the tonal nuances of the shehnai, the sarod, and even the human voice. His phrases carried najakat (delicate beauty), theherav (serenity and stillness), and raw emotion, drawing the audience into a deeply immersive experience of his artistry. The audience’s response was overwhelmingly positive — throughout the performance, there were heartfelt expressions of appreciation, and the evening culminated in a standing ovation, a true testament to the deep connection Dr. Katoti’s music had created. Dr. Katoti later shared that the energy from the audience — and the inspiration he drew from Tanveer’s soulful performance — deeply enriched his own, enhancing the experience and making it profoundly impactful. The evening was much more than a concert; it was a cultural milestone. A sold-out house, new talent elevated, and a master’s artistry shared in our very home. We are humbled and honored to continue building this musical legacy in North America. We thank all who joined us and look forward to more evenings of melody, tradition, and community, starting with our next concert on May 31st: a sitar performance by Ravi Chary with tabla by Amit Kavthekar.