SPIC MACAY - Sitar Performance by Gaurav Mazumdar ji
In yet another collaboration with SPIC MACAY, the students of Classes V and VI had the opportunity to fully engulf themselves in the enchanting music performed by Gaurav Mazumdar ji. Gaurav Mazumdar ji is a Sitarist and a disciple of the legendary Pandit Ravi Shankar. He was introduced to the children with an eloquent thought by Didi - “सितारे केवल दूर आसमान में ही नहीं चमकते, बल्कि अपनी कला से धरती को भी रोशन किया करते है” Gaurav Mazumdar ji on the ‘Sitar’ was accompanied by Durjay Bhaumik ji creating rhythm on the ‘Tabla’ and Snigdha Kar ji providing notes on the ‘Tanpura’.
After a diya lighting to bless the space and collecting energies, Gaurav ji brought the attention of the audience to the rich history behind the notes they would hear. He exhorted them to enjoy the music and let themselves flow with the melodies. Playing ‘Shuddha Bilawal Raag’, he mesmerised the children with stirring melodies plucked vibrantly at a steadily intensifying pace, his fingers flying across the frets with ease.
As the performance proceeded, a student shared that when their class visited the Tomb of Tansen in Gwalior, they had discovered that different ‘ragas’ are meant to be sung at different times of the day. Gaurav ji further explained that ‘ragas’ can also be seasonal, giving the example of some celebrating the rains, others welcoming spring.
When a child eagerly asked after the first...... recital if it was over, Gaurav ji shared that the music never stops and that it will continue to play in the hearts and minds of all even after the performance. With this thought, he led the children to an interactive session enthusiastically singing the ‘Aaroh’ and ‘Avroh’ of ‘Raag Kafi’ with him.
Gaurav Mazumdar ji then took questions from the ever curious children. They were eager to know more about his journey as a student. Gaurav ji revealed that until his time studying English at Allahabad University, he had only played the Violin. When he met Pandit Ravi Shankar ji at the University, he left to study Sitar under his tutelage for 7 years.
As the session drew to a close, a child asked if he would visit them in Holi again and play for them. The Sitarist promised to return, expressing his appreciation for the school’s stimulating atmosphere and space with the interactive children.