SPIC MACAY organized a three-day state convention in the city from July 13 to 15. On Sunday, the climax of the convention was marked by an exquisite performance by Manju Mehta, noted sitarist and the founder of Saptak. Mehta played the rare raga Gurjaritodi which charged the venue with its devotional flourish.
Mehta said, “It was indeed a pleasure to play this ecstasy-invoking melody in front of an appreciative audience. We fully support the cause to promote classical music.” Mehta’s was the last performance at the convention which began with the recital of eminent violin artiste Dr N Rajam. She played raga Malhar to celebrate the season of rains. She followed it up with the bhajan “Vashinav Jan To”.
The second day of the programme, Ustad Wasimuddin Dagar, a Dhrupad vocalist, performed raga Yaman and raga Shankara. And a folk-tradition performance, Asanjo Kutch, by the Soorvani group – which included six compositions – evoked the rousing heritage of regional music.
During the convention, various intensive training workshops including that of Kathak by Ishira Parikh and Khadi workshop by Paresh Patel were organized. They were attended by about 50 to 60 students.
Shushma Jacob from SPIC MACAY said that besides music performances, the convention helped to create a common platform for organizational discussions to analyze plans to promote classical music. The programme also featured talks and screening of films.
