The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Visakhapatnam News : Enthralling musical show by Gamang

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Monday, Feb 22, 2010
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam

Enthralling musical show by Gamang

R. Jagadeeswara Rao

His performance on the ‘dappu’ sends audience into raptures

Photo: C.V. Subrahmanyam

STRIKING A CHORD: Former chief minister of Orissa Giridhar Gamang playing a music instrument with his team members at a programme in the city on Sunday.

VISAKHAPATNAM: When the audience completely gets engrossed by the absorbing performance of an artist on the stage, it is an unalloyed compliment to the performer.

This was what Giridhar Gamang, former Chief Minister of Orissa, achieved by his experimental but enthralling musical performance at Gurajada Kalakshetram here on Sunday.

When he played on his ‘dappu’, which is his favourite instrument, and the vigorous beats of the instrument reached a crescendo, the packed audience joined him by claps of unending applause.

His inimitable ‘dappu’ beat was accompanied by two other traditional but tribal instruments – thudum and sannayi.

When the claps continued, Dr. Gamang said, “continue claps but ensure rhythm.” The three hour programme was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience.

In all, Dr. Gamang used 30 instruments, which he called non-musical instruments. “You always hear the sound of music.

But mine is the music of the sound emanating from non-musical instruments,” he said, adding that he was not a professional musician.

The origin of sound and music for him is the ‘Om’. Most of the songs composed by him were devotional and the “divine dance” performances, namely, ‘Om Namassivaya’ by Guru Subhash and Monalisa and ‘Durga dance’ by Yanagita Kimiko and by some other troupe members were the highlights of concert, which was a treat.

Throughout the programme Dr. Gamang was seen moving on the stage, using all the 30-odd instruments arranged from one end to the other on the dais.

Cultural organisations, Progressive Vision Welfare Society, Krushi Orthopaedic Welfare Society and Snehanjali Arts Academy organised the unique event.

Secretary of VUDA M.S. Bhagavan, who was chief guest, congratulated the organisers for arranging such a special programme which thrilled the packed audience.

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