The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Musical melange casts a magical spell

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Aug 01, 2005

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Musical melange casts a magical spell

Staff Reporter

Unity and Diversity workshop concludes

HYDERABAD: When the time came to say goodbye, none of the 86 participants of the Unity and Diversity workshop wanted to bid adieu.

This eight-day workshop organised by the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training, Union Ministry of Culture and Shilparamam saw budding performers, representing 22 music and dance forms of the country, singing, dancing, and learning different art forms together.

The valedictory function on Sunday marked the beginning of many friendships. "I loved every minute of it," smiled Sohini Sarkar. This young tabla player from West Bengal learnt about different dance and music sequences. "If someone performs Bharatanatyam or Kuchipudi, I will understand immediately," she said. Sanga Chaki, a sarod player from Kolkata, said this experience helped in grooming her personality. "We had classes on how to speak properly, how to express our feelings through our eyes and face," she said. "I learnt tricks to improve myself," said Narendra Saradhi, a visually challenged Carnatic music vocalist from the city.

Gagan Deep Singh from Uttar Pradesh, the only mandolin player, who plays classical north Indian music on the Italian instrument, was going back with a strong infusion of the competitive spirit. The valedictory came to a close with performances choreographed and produced by the artistes under the guidance of eminent experts from the city. Ekta-ki-Awaz, a song with stanzas in 14 languages had 24 artistes performing, representing different regional folk and classical dances.

There was a jugalbandi between tabla, mrigandam and ghatam with mandolin leading in the instrumental music ensemble. "Everyone is in competition, but they all perform in unity," remarked the trainer.

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