Eastern Echoes – A concert by Indrani Mukherjee
– by Sampada Mudgalkar Jatkar
31 March 2024
Gandharva Mahavidyalaya North America (GMV, NA) hosted an enchanting evening with the esteemed vocalist, Indrani Mukherjee, in her concert “Eastern Echoes.” Marking a celebration of Indian classical music, Mukherjee’s performance illuminated the venue with the timeless melodies of ragas, enthralling the audience with her profound vocal prowess, great artistic temperament, and exceptional aesthetic sensibility.
The venue was adorned with traditional Indian motifs, reflecting the cultural richness of the evening’s musical offerings. Among the adornments gracing the stage, a photograph of Pandit V.D. Paluskar, a revered figure in the realm of Indian classical music, stood prominently. This served as a poignant reminder of the rich legacy upon which contemporary artists like Indrani Mukherjee continue to build. Draped gracefully in a resplendent green saree, hair intricately styled in a traditional bun adorned with colossal white and yellow rose flowers, Indrani radiated poise as she took her place in the spotlight alongside accompanying artists. To add a touch of honor and respect to the proceedings, Kalpana and Sanjay Nimkar felicitated the artists for the night and enhanced the atmosphere of the event.
Preceding her performance, Mukherjee congratulated team GMV, NA for their hard work, passion, and dedication for Indian classical music. The evening commenced with raag Multani, a melodic framework characterized by its serene and contemplative mood, that transports listeners into a realm of tranquility and introspection. Indrani presented three compositions in this raag created by her guru, Pandit Arun Bhaduri. Later, she transitioned seamlessly into the uplifting and joyous raag Basant that deeply resonated with the seasonal sentiments and emotions of the audience in the Chicago area, creating a memorable experience. This was followed by two delightful Hori Thumris in the “Purab Ang” (eastern style) that instilled a vibrant energy into the evening. Indrani skillfully navigated the intricate melodic embellishments and rhythmic patterns characteristic of this semi classical genre. In the concluding segment of the concert, she presented a bhajan, followed by a composition in Raag Bhairavi providing a fitting conclusion. With her robust voice, soulful expression and impeccable musicality, Mukherjee filled the venue with her rich resonant tones.
Throughout her mesmerizing performance, Indrani was accompanied by skilled musicians including Apurba Mukherjee, who provided the rhythmic foundation with his deft and nimble fingers on tabla and Praneet Marathe, on harmonium who infused each composition with warmth and resonance. Together this ensemble with their synergy and musical rapport created a unified and captivating musical experience. Additionally, Amol Agarwal and Ashwin Rode graciously supported the vocalist on tanpura, serving as a harmonic backdrop. Ketki Oak Marathe, with her gracious demeanor emceed the concert and brought a touch of warmth to the evening. Ketki’s heartfelt attempt to compliment the vocalist ‘Bengali’ (“with your mesmerizing voice you casted a magical spell on everyone present here today”) is a testimony to the bond created through shared experience of music.
Through soulful renditions and emotive expressions, Indrani invited listeners on a transformative journey of self-discovery and introspection, transcending cultural barriers to unite hearts and minds in a shared appreciation for the power of music. Each note she sang carried the weight of centuries of musical tradition and each piece she presented was a testament to her virtuosity and deep-rooted connection to the spiritual essence of Indian Classical Music. For in “Eastern Echoes,” Indrani Mukherjee left an indelible mark on the souls of listeners that will linger long after the last echoes fade into the night.
Artist Bio:
Indrani Mukherjee
Indrani Mukherjee, an internationally famed Hindustani Classical Vocalist, is a Khayal and Thumri exponent of India. Her area of interest covers Khayal in Kirana – Rampur style and Thumri in Purab Ang. Since the age of 14, when Indrani turned her passion for Classical music into her profession, she has been a talent to reckon with – leaving each of her audiences in absolute awe of her singing, presentation, and style. The critics were not far behind – Indrani’s mellifluous and charismatic voice has swayed the critics in her favour, and made her the face of quite a few internationally acclaimed interviews, and newspaper reports! She is also an Indian Council for Cultural Relations empanelled artist and holds the position of an ‘Outstanding Artist’ at the Festival of India Ministry of Culture (Government of India). Indrani is a Spic Macay-enlisted artist, as well as an ‘A Grade’ artist for Khyal and Thumri on the All India Radio.
Giving Shape to her Talent :
Indrani’s journey of honing her talent began at her home with initially her mother, then her aunt, and then her maternal grandfather Shri Sanjib Banerjee, training her since she was just a child of 3 years. Later in 1996, Indrani became a scholar at the ITC Sangeet Research Academy under the mentorship of Pandit Arun Bhaduri. She is also known to have taken taalim from celebrated artists like the Late Vidushi Purnima Choudhury Ji, and the Late Pandit Ramashray Jha Ji. Since 2012, Indrani has been a dedicated learner of her craft from the prodigal Vidhushi Manju Sundaram Ji.
Apurba Mukherjee
Apurba is a bright and talented Tabla player in the world of Indian Classical Music. As a disciple of the legendary Pandit Shankar Ghosh, he has performed widely in India and abroad, accompanying well known musicians of the country as well as composing and performing experimental music projects with musicians overseas.
Besides playing important concerts in India he has also performed in important Festivals and concerts in various Countries of USA, Canada, Europe, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and Azerbaijan, to name a few –
Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg ,Learn Quest Music Conference (Boston, USA),Indian Fine Arts Academy (San Diego, USA), Raga Mala ,Calgary & Edmonton (Canada), MIT (Boston),Ali Akbar College of Music (Basel),Haus Der Kulturen Der Welt (Berlin), Musse Guimet (National Museum for Oriental Art and Culture, Paris),Les Orientales Festival (France), Oslo Opera (Norway), and others.
Apurba has collaborated for the “Benares Project”- released from EMI Blue Note, with one of the famous Trumpetist, Erik Truffz and performed at the London Jazz Festival, Montreal Jazz Festival, Paris Blue Note Jazz Festival, Paleo Festival and others.