Spic Macay: Exploring the Treasures of Hindustani Classical Music

<p>A special Golden Jubilee year demands a special cultural performance ; moving away from the usual Lecture Demonstrations, on 21 December 2023, TISVV hosted an evening of pure classical music for students, teachers, parents and interested members of the public, under the aegis of SPICMACAY. Under a resplendent shamiana, warmed by heat pillars, and comfortably seated with bolsters to relax against, everyone enjoyed soul-stirring performances by two renowned exponents of Hindustani classical - Padmabhushan Pandit Vishwamohan Bhatt and Padmabhushan Pandit Sajan Mishraji. Pt Vishwa Mohan Bhatt performed on his innovative and unique instrument ‘mohan veena’, showcasing his tremendous form and high level of energy. Accompanied by the tabla exponent, Shri Himanshu Mahant, Panditji started by invoking the gods with a Ganesh Vandana set to Raag Bhoopali. This was followed by Raag Shuddh Kalyan which began with a highly expressive aalap, followed by fast taans, jod and jhala that enthralled the listeners. &nbsp;The closing melody was a spirited rendition of vande mataram. Pandit Sajan Mishraji too started with a traditional and meditative invocation to Mahadeva in Raga Jhinjhoti and then a beautiful bandish in praise of the guru in Raag Charukeshi. His emotive khayals kept the listeners absolutely mesmerized. His accompanists included his son Pandit Swaransh Mishraji as well as Shri Sumit Mishraji and Shri Rajesh Mishraji. The rendition ended with their deeply spiritual Chalo Mann Vrindavan ki Ore. The event left each of us moved by the intensity and passion of the performances and ended with thanks and felicitations to the two artists who honoured us with their presence.</p>