2600 classical singers gear up for grand concert in Pune
MUMBAI: The Art of Living Foundation will be presenting a three-hour long classical music symphony 'Antarnaad' in Pune on 12 January.
What makes the event stand out is the fact that it will feature around 2,600 Hindustani classical vocalists including big names like Shankar Mahadevan and Pt Rajan Mishra and Pt Sajan Mishra.
The singers will present evening raagas like Shree Purya Dhanashree, Des, Basant Bahar, Chandrakaus, Shankara, Kalavati, Janasammohini and Bhoop. Bharat Ratna Bhimsen Joshi will also be felicitated on the occasion.
It is learnt that a mammoth 27,000-square feet wooden stage has been built with a 20-feet high backdrop for this concert. Well known sound engineer Roger Drego will be handling the sound and lights. The euphoria building up in the singers is evident. Senior most artist in the symphony, Sudha Dattatreya Upadhya says, It is amazing to be a part of this magnificent event. In my musical career I have never been part of such an occurrence. The songs and compositions are �Arthapurna,' and touch the core of one's being....
Sri Ravi Shankar says, "Among the unique things India can offer the world, spirituality and music are definitive. The aim is to nurture the talent of exponents of classical music."
Going by its grandeur, this is not the first time that AOL is staging such an event. In 2006, the Art of Living entered Guinness World Records with 1,200 Mohiniyattam dancers performing together at its silver jubilee celebrations in Bangalore. The Foundation also held a historic sitar concert titled 'Brahmnaad' at New Delhi in 2008 in which about 1,000 sitarists participated in aid of Bihar relief and rehabilitation.
Trained in Carnatic music, school teacher Vijaya Amar, one of the artists taking part in Antarnaad says, The experience, during the rehearsals is indescribable; it is like a divine symphony that transports us to another world. It is equally fulfilling is to see so many youngsters there....
