In pictures: Suromurchhana’s annual festival celebrates Indian classical music at Uttam Mancha

Suromurchhana, a non-profit organisation reviving classical music in Kolkata and the US, held its latest concert in the city at Uttam Mancha on December 21. As its annual tribute to its founders and late gurus, A Kanan and Vidushi Malabika Kanan, the event drew admirers of all ages and backgrounds, producing a six-hour celebration of Indian classical music

The festival commenced with a performance by Sumoulika Sarkar, with Bibhas Sanghai on the tabla and Anirban Chakrabarty on the harmonium. They presented Raga Madhumanti and one ‘thumri’, composed by Bidushi Malabika Kanan. The next performance saw Ashim Chowdhury’s (pictured) sitar recital of Raga Patdeep, distinguished by its intricate rhythmic interplay, with Subhajyoti Guha on the tabla

Following that was the performance of ace vocalist Shantanu Bhattacharyya with Parimal Chakrabarty on the tabla and Rupashree Bhattacharya on the harmonium. They presented Raga Purya Dhanashree and a ‘thumri’ in Raga Khamaj. This performance spanned medium-tempo ‘jhoomra’, ‘teental’, and fast ‘ektal’ compositions, concluding with a ‘thumri’ in Raga Khamaj

The penultimate performance was graced by sarod maestro Prattyush Banerjee along with tabla virtuoso Tanmoy Bose. They presented Raga Yaman and Raga Nand, captivating the audience with their melodic beauty and rhythmic mastery

Before the final act of the evening, Suromurchhana awarded the tabla maestro Kumar Bose for his contributions to the Indian classical music world. “Getting so much love and respect also comes with a sense of responsibility, which I’m always ready to take,” shared Kumar Bose

The last performance was the much-anticipated solo presentation by Kumar Bose, who was accompanied by Rohen Bose on the tabla, along with Hiranmoy Mitra on the harmonium. They presented the majestic Teental Lahera. “A lot of people have wanted to learn how to play the tabla after watching Kumar Bose, including me. His presence is a great inspiration for us,” said Sanjoy Banerjee, founder of Suromurchhana US and Kolkata