Just before the rains set in on the evening of June 25, Kolkata experienced the resplendent melodies of piano music. The stage at Theme Piano World in Kasba came alive as 45 talented students of renowned pianist and teacher, Kaushik Das, presented a recital that delved deep into the tapestry of classical piano. With a repertoire that spanned the works of Bach, Beethoven and Edvard Grieg, as well as compositions of Chopin and Schumann, and gems by Posca and Burgmuller, this concert emerged as a celebration of talent and unwavering dedication. Both younger and older students took their place behind a beautiful Kawai piano and took their audience on a classical journey.
Avantika Das performed ‘Waltz’ in B-minor by F Chopin and ‘Kumru Ballad’ by Fazil Say
The evening commenced with an invigorating rendition of What a Wonderful World by Udita Mallick, accompanied by Kaushik Das on the piano. Noteworthy performances by Shivam Himatsingka, Avantika Das, Rajasmita Pathak and Sandipan Guha further enthralled the audience. Each rendition was delivered with a nuanced interpretation, skillfully unravelling the diverse range of emotions intricately woven within the compositions. Adrija Das, the emcee for the evening, conducted an engaging quiz and enlightened the audience about the history of piano music, creating a bridge between the different performances.
Rose Dam Roy after her performance of ‘By The Sea’ by George Posca, ‘Song Without Words’ in G-minor by F. Mendelssohn, ‘Italian Polka’ by Rachmaninoff and ‘Arabeske’ in C Op. 18 by Robert Schumann
One of the star acts of the evening was the talented Rose Dam Roy, who performed By the Sea by George Posca, alongside compositions by Debussy, Schumann and Mendelssohn. Some of the achievements of this child prodigy include multiple victories in international competitions and an invitation to perform at the Malta Piano Festival.
The concert continued to soar with the sounds of Beethoven’s Sonata No. 8 (2nd movement) performed by Maharshi Ghosh, and Supantha Chakraborty’s rendition of Frédéric Chopin’s Nocturne in E-flat Major. The successful concert and melodious performances served as a testament to Kaushik Das’s mentorship as a music teacher.
Know your artiste
Kaushik Das embarked on his piano journey at the tender age of 12, guided by the skilled hands of Ajit Ghosh, who introduced him to the world of black and white keys. As his passion for Western classical piano grew, Kaushik sought further knowledge under the tutelage of Sam F Engineer. He honed his skills and nurtured his musical talents while working as a music teacher at renowned educational institutions such as Loreto Day School Bowbazar and Calcutta International School.
Later, Das had the privilege of studying under the guidance of Revd. Noel S Sen, the principal of Calcutta School of Music. Recognising his talent, Revd. Sen encouraged him to share his knowledge by joining the teaching faculty at the Calcutta School of Music. During his tenure, Kaushik served as the joint head of the Western Music Department, contributing his expertise to the growth of the institution.
Kaushik Das receives a bouquet from (left) Adrija Das
Fueled by an unwavering passion for piano, Kaushik embarked on a journey to Europe, seeking inspiration from accomplished music teachers. He travelled to Germany and the Czech Republic, immersing himself in their teaching strategies and incorporating European methods into his own pedagogical approach.
With an increasing demand for his teaching expertise, Kaushik began offering private lessons to aspiring pianists. On June 25, 2023, the culmination of his students’ hard work and dedication resulted in this first piano recital, marking a significant milestone in their musical journey.
Kaushik firmly believes that his most impactful teachers have been the students themselves. Each student he encounters presents a unique nature and requires a tailored approach to foster their musical growth. It is through their interactions and experiences that Das has evolved as a teacher, constantly adapting his methods to suit individual needs.
Snapshots from the evening
Young lads like Yashmega Brahma, Aayan Kasera (in picture), Miraya Agarwal and Abhijnan De started off with the concert playing pieces like Lead on Black Horse, Allegro by Mavro Giuliani & Rodeo and Sword Dance by Faber’s with Kaushik Das by their side.
Parents and relatives of the different performers made for an enthusiastic audience, snapping away as the concert progressed.
Maharshi Ghosh took to the classical piano to perform Sonata No 8 movt 2 in C minor L.V. Beethoven and Nocturne in B-flat minor Op 9 No 1 by F Chopin.
The concert commenced with a performance by Supantha Chakraborty who played Nocturne in E-flat major Op 9 No 2 by F Chopin and the fun theme from Ratatouille by Michael Giacchino. Supantha was majorly supported by his mother in the audience who is also a classical piano player.
Chief guest Dhrubajyoti De, Joint Commissioner of Kolkata Police, speaks to the audience.