Music maestros cast a spell

Tribune News Service

Patiala, November 28

The North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala (Ministry of Culture, Government of India), organised a Sangeet Utsav at Kalidasa Auditorium, Virsa Vihar Kendra, in Patiala today. Ustad Mujtaba Hussain, a renowned Indian classical flute exponent of Gaya Gharana, Lokesh Anand, one of the most outstanding shehnai players of India, and Madhuresh Bhat, tabla maestro from Banaras Gharana, were invited to perform in the utsav. Major General Ajai Singh, GOC, Armed Division, was the chief guest on the occasion. He inaugurated the show by lighting the lamp along with other dignitaries.

Ustad Mujtaba Hussain belongs to the family of musicians. His grandfather Ustad Rahim Bakhsh Khan was a renowned shehnai player and his father Ustad Peer Bakhsh was a celebrated shehnai and flute player. Mujtaba started his solo flute concerts at the age of 12.

Lokesh Anand shehnai playing is characterized by an immaculate blowing and fingering techniques, command over laya, richness and clarity of swaras. He has performed almost in all major music festivals. Madhuresh Bhat, tabla maestro from Banaras Gharana, also performed on the said occasion.

The performance by the said artistes was appreciated by one and all. The North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala, gave a vote of thanks to high dignitaries, press, artistes and general public, who witnessed the performances.