The Swar Samrat Festival, one of the country’s premier classical music festivals, has entered its 12th year. This grand celebration of melody stirs excitement among music and culture lovers every year. This year, on December 14 and 15, Kolkata’s Nazrul Mancha will witness a historic moment. After nearly 40 years, sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and renowned tabla virtuoso Pandit Swapan Chowdhury will mesmerize the audience with their artistry. Undoubtedly, this will be an unforgettable experience for Kolkata.
One of the festival’s highlights this year will be honoring Ustad Amjad Ali Khan with the Swar Samrat Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his exceptional contributions to classical music.
Tejendra Narayan’s Dedication
The festival is organized by eminent sarod player Pandit Tejendra Narayan Majumdar and his family. Conducted under the banner of the Sree Ranjani Foundation, the festival is named after Tejendra Narayan’s guru, Swar Samrat Ali Akbar Khan. Speaking about the event, Tejendra Narayan said, “A legend like Ali Akbar Khan is beyond measure. This festival is my tribute to him. It not only showcases legendary artists but also provides a platform for young talents. I firmly believe that these young artists will become the torchbearers of tomorrow.”
Star-Studded Two-Day Festival
The two-day festival will feature mesmerizing performances by renowned artists from India and abroad. Notable performers include:
- Pandit Sajan Mishra and Swarnesh Mishra (vocal)
- Pandit Kumar Bose (tabla)
- Pandit Srinivas Joshi and Viraj Joshi (vocal)
- Malavika Sarukkai (Bharatanatyam)
- Pandit Debashish Bhattacharya (guitar)
- Shubhendra Rao (sitar)
- Additionally, the opening press conference of the festival was graced by distinguished personalities like Bickram Ghosh, Tanmoy Bose, Joy Goswami, Alokananda Roy, and Srikanta Acharya, making it a vibrant event.
Winter in Kolkata Warmed by Classical Music
The cool winter breeze combined with the enchanting strains of melody creates a unique harmony. The Swar Samrat Festival is not just an event but an emotion deeply embedded in Kolkata’s cultural fabric. This year’s festival promises to elevate that emotion to new heights, much to the delight of music lovers.
