New Delhi, 6 November 2023: It was a grand celebration cum tribute to Indian Classical Music by Santoor maestro & music composer Abhay Rustum Sopori, as he dedicated a new Raga ‘Bhajaneshwari’ to pay tribute to the great music legend, his father and guru late Pt. Bhajan Sopori. The occasion was the concluding day of 3 day SaMaPa Sangeet Sammelan, an annual musical festival by Sopori Academy of Music & Performing Arts (SaMaPa) at Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi.
The final day of this annual music festival dedicated to Santoor legend Pandit Bhajan Sopori was special in many ways. Delhiites got to see an enthralling performance by young talent Viraj Joshi, grandson of legendary Vocalist Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, he proved his mettle with a skilful vocal recital. The evening also saw another brilliant showing with Kashyap bandhus presenting their first big recital in Delhi. And then it was the main course and eventful presentation of Santoor by music maestro Pandit Abhay Rustum Sopori with an emotional tribute to his father and guru late Pt. Bhajan Sopori.
All the three days left the audience craving for more with different forms of Indian Classical Musical instruments, Vocal and Dance by the immensely skilful artists, providing the captivating experience. Hailed as Delhi’s popular calendar event, the annual SaMaPa Sangeet Sammelan organized by Sopori Academy of Music and Performing Arts (SaMaPa), had a mix of young upcoming and established artists take stage in the 19th edition. The 3-day music festival presented in collaboration with Indian Oil and IFFCO also had presentation of special national level honors, the prestigious SaMaPa Awards related to Jammu and Kashmir.
Remembering his great father and legendary musician, Pt. Abhay Rustum Sopori said, ‘Papa is not among us in person, yet he’s right here with us. It’s his blessings only that we were able to organise this festival. It’s a big loss, his absence cannot be fulfilled, but I am remembering him every moment and paying tribute to him by dedicating this new Raga Bhajaneshwari.
During the last two days, presentations by Ustad Murad Ali Khan (Sarangi), Vidushi Shashwati Mandal (Vocal), Sh. Ankush Nayak (Sitar), Sh. Ajay P. Jha (Mohan Veena), Vidushi Subhra Guha (Vocal), Pandit Deepak Maharaj & Ms. Ragini Maharaj (Kathak Dance) along with Swarlaya Samwad (Bhartiya Ke Durlab Vadya – Surbahar & Sursingar) with Pt. Vijay Shankar Mishra (Coordinator) with Sh. Shyam Rastogi (Surbahar & Sitar) & Sh. Joydeep Mukherjee (Sursingar & Sarod) were there. Besides the musical performances, annual SaMaPa Awards were also given on the second and third day respectively.
Talking about the festival, Prof. Aparna Sopori said, ‘SaMaPa Sangeet Sammelan is our annual festival, and today without Pandit Bhajan Sopori, we realise it’s not an easy thing to do. It was under his guidance how smoothly 18 editions were organised without a hitch. With this edition, we have tried to escalate and organise the festival in the same manner and spirits to make the event a success.’ Pandit ji had a vision to ensure that our vibrant cultural heritage continues to thrive and inspire audiences of all age groups. He believed that along with eminent artists, it’s necessary to nurture young artistic talent and they should also get opportunities to perform in Delhi, and we have tried to take his legacy forward, she added. She also thanked all the patrons, friends, colleagues and other well-wishers for their full support of the 19th SaMaPa Sangeet Sammelan.
