Delhi Classical Music Festival will be bigger next year: Sisodia

New Delhi [India] Nov. 1 (ANI): Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia has said that Delhi Classic Music Festival will be moving to bigger venue next year.

He was speaking on the concluding day of a five-day celebration of Indian classical art at the Kamani Auditorium.

"We are delighted that the festival has been well received. It was a pleasure to present young and established artists on a platform like this. We are grateful to all the performing artists for sharing the best of their music, as well as listening to and inspiring fellow artists. Most of all, we thank the Delhi audience who attended the festival in large numbers. Given the popularity of the festival, we will be moving it to a bigger venue next year. We are lucky to have a growing audience for classical Indian music and will ensure they all get to see their beloved artists live next year. In addition to this, we will be organising more concerts in new venues regularly," Sisodia said.

The 8th edition of classical music extravaganza was Organised by Sahitya Kala Parishad - Department of Art, Culture and Languages, Government of Delhi, from October 25 - October 29, 2017.

Day 1 at Delhi Classical Music Festival began with a moment of silence in remembrance of veteran classical vocalist Girija Devi.

The performances commenced with vocalist Padmashri Parveen Sultana paying tribute to Girija Devi in her favourite Maru-Bihag raag.

Later, Sitar duo Murad Ali Khan and Fateh Ali Khan enthralled the audience with a Jugal Bandi, along with renowned Tabla player Dr. Ayub Pradhan. They also dedicated a charming rendition of Shyam Kalyan Raag, as a tribute to Late Girija Deviji.

Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty kicked-off Day 2 at Delhi Classical Music Festival with his mesmerising voice. Sandeep Ghosh joined him on the Tabla. Dedicating his performance to Girija Deviji, Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty said, "I was with her for 40 years. She was the queen of Thumri and was close to my heart. Her memory will always remain with us."

Well-known flute player Ajay Prasanna showcased his skills and entertained the audience with the soulful notes.

Tabla maestro Ustad Akram along with his son Zargham Akram Khan presented Ajay Rana Gharanaji's traditional composition 'Teem Taal'.

On third day, Indian singer Bhuvanesh Komkali, Rudra Veena Ustad Bahauddin Dagar, and Professor M. Venkatesh Kumar enthralled audience.

On fourth day, Pandit Madhup Mudgal, vocalist Nishad Bakre, Santoor maestros Abhay Sopori and Bhajan Sopori mesmerized audience with their performances.

The last day of the festival commenced with the performance by Indian classical singer Nitin Sharma. Next, Pandit Jasraj followed with his bhajans praising Lord Shiva.

Ustad Shujaat Khan on sitar, closed the show by entertaining the audience with his unique notes. (ANI)