Sangeet Mela 2019 report

via sangeetmela.org...

Sangeet Mela 2019 was held on Saturday 30th March at Queensland Multicultural Centre. Many thanks to all those who were part of a beautiful day of Indian classical music and dance: the artists, volunteers, sponsors, and thanks most of all the audience. It was a fine selection of performances. Thanks also to Brian Sullivan for these photos. See our Facebook album for more.

Saee Sane (Rising Star Award – Kathak dance) opened the festival with accompaniment by Sri Shen Flindell (tabla), Dr Helena Joshi (padhant), Sri Sangeet Mishra (sarangi), and Dr Mansey Kinarivala (vocal).

Saee Sane (Rising Star Award – Kathak dance) with Sangeet Mishra (sarangi) in the background.

Saee Sane performed rhythmic pieces in teentaal followed by a short sargam.

Saee Sane (Rising Star Award – Kathak dance)

Mansey Kinarivala opened the festival with a short vocal solo and sang the sargam for Saee’s final piece.

Dr Helena Joshi (Guru of Saee Sane, providing padhant – spoken bols)

Aishwarya Jangam (Rising Star Award – Bharatanatyam) gave an enchanting performance.

Aishwarya Jangam (Rising Star Award – Bharatanatyam)

Siddharth Adityan (Rising Star Award – mridangam) performed creditably in 11 beats.

Siddharth Adityan (Rising Star Award – mridangam) with taalam by 

Dr. Prabha Selvanathan.

Rising Star Award winners with Shen Flindell (festival director), Sairam Kannaian (platinum sponsor Yoga King), Umesh Chandra (media sponsor Brisbane Indian Times)

Darshil Shah (bansuri) performed Raga Charukeshi in matta taal (9 beats) and teentaal, followed by a beautiful ghazal in rupak.

Darshil Shah (bansuri) with Kush Sami (tabla) and Molly (tanpura)

Saikat Bhattacharya (sitar) in his final Brisbane performance before moving to Melbourne, presented Raga Pilu in rupak, ektaal and teentaal.

Shen Flindell (tabla) accompanying Saikat Bhattacharya

Saikat and Shen deep in music

Sriranjani Chandramouli (Bharatanatyam)

Sriranjani Chandramouli (Bharatanatyam)

Sangeet Mishra (sarangi) performed with accompaniment by Shen Flindell (tabla)

Sangeet Mishra demonstrating the vocal aspect of his music

Sangeet and Shen enjoying successful performance

Tahir Faridi Sufi Qawwali Ensemble

Tahir Qawwal

Farhan Shah of Tahir Faridi Sufi Qawwali Ensemble

Tahir Qawwal and Bhairavi Devi

Chetan Ramlu (Qawwali tabla)

Farhan Shah (Qawwali)

Charulatha Mani (Carnatic vocal) took us on a deep journey of sruthi with Raga Thodi, with accompaniment by Kranthi Kiran Mudigonda (violin) and Sridhar Chari (mridangam)

Charulatha Mani (Carnatic vocal) with Kranthi Kiran Mudigonda (violin) and Sridhar Chari (mridangam)

Sridhar Chari (mridangam) accompanying Charulatha Mani (Carnatic vocal)

MC Bindu Rajendren

MC Kush Sami

Cast and crew of Sangeet Mela 2019 (those who could stay until the end)

Festival director Shen Flindell said “Events such as Sangeet Mela are invaluable in cultivating Indian classical music, both as the ideal vehicle for artists to perform for a quality audience at a quality venue, and as an attractive package to attract new audiences to this wonderful culture. Unfortunately I am unable to continue to drive this event and will be withdrawing from organising large events to focus on my own practice and students. I will be very happy to support and provide continuity for any individual or organisation who would take over the management of Sangeet Mela.”