– by Sampada Mudgalkar Jatkar

3rd November 2024

As the festival of Diwali came to a close, what better way to end this joyous season than with the soul stirring beauty of live Indian Classical music? The concert, “Morning Melodies”, organized by GMV, NA, was a delightful gift to close the holiday that left the audience feeling both uplifted and deeply moved. The intimate concert hosted at a stunning home was a perfect reflection of the joy and harmony that Diwali represents, beautifully blending tradition with an atmosphere of warmth and creativity.

In keeping with tradition, Diwali morning in the Maharashtrian community is often greeted with classical and semi classical music, marking the beginning of a day filled with light and festivity. And so, the intimate setting of the home, provided the perfect backdrop for this celebration. The house itself seemed to shine like an artist’s canvas—each corner thoughtfully curated to enhance the experience. The house seemed to echo the music itself—alive with artistry and spirit.

 The concert began with a warm and heartfelt felicitation ceremony, honoring the performing artists of the morning. We were graced by the presence of Shri Nitin Joshi, a respected member of the Maharashtrian community who has dedicated over 38 years of service to the Indian diaspora. After the felicitations, the stage was set for the concert to truly begin.

Shri Bhagyesh Marathe’s performance began with Raag Lalit, setting a serene and meditative tone for the morning. This was followed by solemn tones of Raag Ahir Bhairav, before transitioning to the joyful and melodic Raag Shuddha Sarang, where Bhagyesh amazed the audience especially with brilliant “Mukbandi Taan” that highlighted his technical mastery. A” Tappa” style bandish in Raag Kaafi was a standout moment where Bhagyesh demonstrated incredible rhythmic precision and ornamentation. The performance then shifted to two Marathi Natyageet, bringing a festive, theatrical flair to the program. the concert concluded with a soulful Meera Bhajan, leaving the audience with a sense of peace. Bhagyesh’s performance was a transcendental music experience that moved every single person present in the room. His intricate “Danedar Taan” and impeccable “Laykari”, coupled with the deep spiritual connection he shares with his music, created an atmosphere of reverence and awe.

The interplay between Bhagyesh and the accompanying artists, was one of the standout features of the morning. The tabla player, Shri Pranav Gurav, offered subtle yet dynamic responses to Bhagyesh’s improvisations, which enhanced the overall energy of the performance. At the same time, on harmonium, Shri Ameya Bichu provided a steady drone that served to underscore Bhagyesh’s voice, allowing the intricate melodies to shine. The Tanpura players, Amol Agarwal and Vaikhari Ozarkar graciously supported the artist of the day.

This Diwali concert was a beautiful culmination of GMV NA’s efforts, a reminder of the power of music to bring people together in celebration and reflection. Audience was inspired to see how the organization has made such a significant impact this year in promoting the rich cultural heritage of Indian classical music, and this event was a perfect tribute to that ongoing work. Overall, “Morning Melodies” was the perfect way to celebrate Diwali, combining the joy of the festival with the timeless beauty of classical music. The concert left all who attended with a sense of fulfillment, having witnessed a rare and unforgettable morning of musical brilliance. For anyone who has the chance to experience future performances in such a beautiful and intimate setting, I highly recommend it—it was a perfect blend of tradition, music, and hospitality.