A Sarod festival in memory of master-musician Annapurna Devi

At a three-day live festival, exponents of the instrument showcased the Maihar gharana’s specialities

The last major live music festival before India went into lockdown again was held in Kolkata in the first week of April. Held over three evenings, the festival only featured sarod solos, and was organised by the Mumbai-based Annapurna Devi Foundation. Each concert was special; each performer determined to pay fitting tribute to the truly venerated master-musician Annapurna Devi. Kolkata to date has the best sarod-makers, and the city’s link with celebrated sarodiyas is age-old. Nityanand Haldipur, flautist and festival organiser, said, “We would like to make this an annual event.” The festival opened with Shiraz Ali Khan’s concert. Grand nephew of Annapurna Devi, he is the fourth generation sarodiya of the illustrious family. He was accompanied on the tabla by none other than Bickram Ghosh. Starting with the early evening raag, Madhuvanti, in which he essayed a compact aalap and jor, Shiraz went on to play a Maihar gharana speciality raag, Pahari Jhinjhoti. He played two compositions; and there was a pleasing sawaal jawab with Bickram Ghosh. He ended with a brief Mishra Kafi.