Santoor recital wows music lovers

It is said that Tansen, a prominent Hindustani classical music composer, musician, instrumentalist and vocalist, who was one of the “navratnas” (nine jewels) at the court of Mogul Emperor Jalaluddin Mohammad Akbar, could light up candles by singing in “raag deepak,” and bring rain by singing in a particular musical note known as “megh malhar.”
Something similar was visible in a way at the performance of santoor by Sandip Chatterjee at the International Indian School-Jeddah on Friday evening — the faces of the audience lit up with joy at the soothing, melodious, spiritual musical virtuosity of Sandip, bringing together the hundreds of listeners in the auditorium in an international unity. All they could do was rain compliments.
As Sandip told Arab News, music is a platform to bring people together. It has spirituality. He said he had certain misgivings as to how the performance would be received, but his fears were dispelled soon as he began. “Then I was one with them,” and his face too lit up. He said the
audience was appreciative, attentive, and knowledgeable.
“Music has spirituality,” he said, adding that Indian music is admired in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Australia, and America, where people not only listen to Indian music but are also learning and even performing on stage.
He said that music should be made a compulsory subject in Indian schools. “One has to go out of tradition to learn what tradition is,” he added.
He said he was influenced by his parents, especially his mother, who inspired him to take up music.
Saud Ali Al-Sheikhi, director general, ministry of culture and information, found it enjoyable and enlightening. “A very good step in the direction of strengthening bilateral relations,” he said, adding that India is a very rich country in art and culture.
Consul General Faiz Ahmad Kidwai said that music is an important part of Indian culture, a unifying element in the cultural diversity of over a billion people. “Music brings people together. It is a soothing, melodious, and enhancing spirit,” he said.
Soumen Sarkar, tabla player, who has been playing the table since he was six years old, said he was inspired by his father who was a classical vocalist. Soumen practices eight hours a day — four hours in the morning, and four in the evening. He is also interested in santoor and sitar.
Dr. Irshad Ahmad, consul, press, information and culture, said Sandip is a well-known name in the world of music. He said the consulate is pleased to have the show on the occasion of the 65th Republic Day of India. He found the audience distinguished and appreciative.