Promising an electrifying evening of rhythm, melody and percussion mastery, the resounding beats of the drums are set to echo through the cultural heart of Calcutta at the much-anticipated Kolkata International Drum Festival, which is scheduled to take place at the Calcutta International Club on December 3. Curated by the duo of Sambit Chatterjee and legendary percussionist Pandit Subhen Chatterjee, the festival boasts a stellar lineup of some of the best drummers in India. Among the virtuosos expected to grace the stage at the first edition of the festival are music composer Ranjit Barot, versatile drummer Darshan Doshi, powerhouse percussionist Gino Banks, musician Viveick Rajagopalan, Calcutta's very own Gaurab Gaboo Chatterjee who will perform along with GC and the Giants, and fusion band Karma. Each artiste will bring a unique flair to the festival, ensuring a diverse and captivating musical experience for attendees.
A poster of the first Kolkata International Drum Festival
Featuring a diversity of performance styles and traditions, the festival will appeal to the tastes and preferences of the serious musician, the casual listener or even someone looking to explore the world of drumming for the first time. Sambit Chatterjee, an acclaimed percussionist himself, was enthusiastic about curating an event that celebrates the rich and varied tapestry of drumming traditions. "The Kolkata International Drum Festival is a celebration of rhythm in all its forms. For the first edition, we have carefully selected artistes who represent the pinnacle of drumming expertise in our country, and who have never before played together on the same stage in Calcutta. It's a joyous exploration of diverse styles and a tribute to the universal language of music," he shared.
Pandit Subhen Chatterjee, a stalwart in the sphere of Indian classical music, added, "Drums have an innate ability to transcend cultural boundaries and connect people at a primal level. This festival is not just about showcasing technical brilliance, it's about creating an immersive experience where the audience can feel the heartbeat of the music."
The Calcutta International Club, with its elegant ambience and acoustically refined spaces, will serve as the venue for this rhythmic celebration. The festival is expected to draw music enthusiasts, percussion aficionados and cultural connoisseurs from across the city and beyond.
As the festival date approaches, the organisers are leaving no stone unturned to ensure a seamless and memorable experience for the audience. Every aspect of stagecraft, from state-of-the-art sound engineering to visually stunning stage set-ups, is being meticulously designed and executed to enhance performance impact and listeners' experience.
Besides providing an entertaining experience, the festival will also include several educative sessions. In addition to the main on-stage performances, there will be workshops and interactive sessions, to offer visitors to the festival an opportunity to delve into the intricacies of drumming techniques and styles. This aligns with the organisers' vision of fostering a deeper appreciation for the art of drumming.
Sambit Chatterjee explained the need for the educational aspect of the festival. "We want to create an inclusive space where people, regardless of their musical background, can come and learn. Rhythm is what makes human beings different from all other animals, it's our instinct to be communal, to be a tribe, to be together, so a good rhythm festival is important for all. It's a chance for the audience to connect with the artists on a more personal level and gain insights into the world of drumming," he signed off.