Kolkata’s Shishir Mancha recently resonated with the vibrant sounds of the Yuva Vadya Sangeet Utsav, held as part of the ninth Mangalacharana Sangeet Sammelan. The festival, dedicated to promoting the rich heritage of Indian classical music among younger generations, showcased the talents of promising instrumentalists under the age of 30.
The event aimed to ignite interest in classical music among youth while highlighting the creative possibilities of duet performances. Audiences were treated to mesmerising ensembles featuring instruments such as the sitar, sarod, tabla, flute, santoor, and slide guitar. Each duet was more than a mere interplay of melody and rhythm; it was a nuanced conversation of musical thought and emotion, bridging the performers’ creativity with the listeners’ sensibilities.
Among the notable performances:
Snehesh Nag and Swarnendu Mondal enchanted the audience with a sitar-sarod duet on Raga Jayjayanti.
Soham Maity and Siddhajit Mondal presented Raga Kirwani on esraj and slide guitar.
Ark Roy and Saunak Roy offered a sarod duet exploring Ragas Madhubanti and Shree.
Banani Das and Sharanya Sarkar touched hearts with a flute-santoor rendition of Raga Emon.
Every performance was accompanied by a tabla artist, whose intricate rhythms elevated the duets to captivating heights, adding layers of dynamism and resonance.
A summary of the principal duets and their performances is presented below:
| Duet Artists | Instruments | Raga(s) Performed | Tabla Accompanist |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snehesh Nag & Swarnendu Mondal | Sitar & Sarod | Jayjayanti | Anjishnu Mukherjee |
| Soham Maity & Siddhajit Mondal | Esraj & Slide Guitar | Kirwani | Rohen Basu |
| Ark Roy & Saunak Roy | Sarod | Madhubanti & Shree | Sudip Chakraborty |
| Banani Das & Sharanya Sarkar | Flute & Santoor | Emon | Sohan Ghosh |
The festival vividly demonstrated that Indian classical music can be rejuvenated and reinterpreted through youthful talent. Each performer brought forth their unique creativity and emotional expression, forging a profound musical connection with the audience. For Kolkata’s connoisseurs of music, the Yuva Vadya Sangeet Utsav was an unforgettable celebration of tradition and innovation.
By blending emerging talent with classical repertoire, the festival reaffirmed that duets and collaborations between young musicians and traditional forms can open new horizons of artistic creativity. The evening stood as a testament to the enduring vibrancy of India’s musical heritage and the promise of its next generation.