Living Traditions: A CONCERT OF HINDUSTANI CLASSICAL MUSIC REINTERPRETING ARCHIVAL INFORMATION

2019

INTRODUCTION

A classical music performance that is quite unique as it reinterprets archival information both in terms of its musical format as well as its visual presentation. The music renditions pay tribute to the manner in which artistes adapted their presentations for emerging formats like recording technology.

The performers’ costumes, designed by Rohit Bal, are reminiscent of the styles worn by yesteryear musicians and truly reconstruct the essence of the past tradition of musical performance. This collaboration also takes a relook at reviving old textile techniques.

The concept focuses on the spirit of reviving and revitalizing by reconstructing images and archival music from the past with its aspect of theatricality. Curatorial attempts in representing classical music performances in the past have been rare. This project challenges that by using the archival information available in a more engaging manner such that the performance juxtaposes the past styles with the present styles of representations. 

CREDITS

Curated by Shubha Mudgal Musicians Kaushiki Chakraborty, Purbayan Chatterjee, Murad Ali , Accompanists Satyajeet Talwalkar, Ajay Joglekar, Yogesh Samsi, Akram Khan, Costumes by Rohit Bal, Set Design by Sumant Jayakrishnan Scale Medium, Year of Commission 2016

Kaushiki Chakraborty, a leading female vocalist of her generation, has performed at all the leading music festivals in the country and in tours abroad. Her gayaki strides effortlessly across khayal, semi-classical genres and beyond. She has also rendered background songs for films.

Purbayan Chatterjee is one of the finest sitar players in Indian classical music. A multifaceted musician, he also performs with musicians from the South Indian raga tradition and participates in various fusion projects including jazz. His music has been appreciated by jazz greats such as Chick Corea and Bella Fleck, and musicians all over the globe. As a fine vocalist, he has lent his soulful voice to many compositions.

Born into a family of musicians originally from Moradabad, Murad Ali is one of the leading sarangi players of the younger generation. He has also participated in cross-cultural and experimental musical endeavours. He is a sixth generation sarangi player who trained under his grandfather Ustad Siddique Ahmad Khan and father Ustad Ghulam Sabir Khan.

All 2019 Grants