India’s first all-women classical band, led by the renowned vocalist Kaushiki Chakrabarty, enthralled audiences last night with a semi-classical fusion performance at the jam-packed Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam’s (BKS) Diamond Jubilee Hall in Segaya.
The performance, titled Sakhi, kicked off the third edition of the much anticipated BKS Indo-Bahrain Dance and Music Festival, which will run until Friday.
The event was inaugurated last night by Indian Ambassador Vinod Jacob, in the presence of Government Hospitals chief executive Dr Maryam Al Jalahma and Universal Electro-Engineering Group chief executive Jayashankar Viswanathan.
The week-long event will feature a variety of traditional programmes, including classical music, Carnatic percussion, dance performances and recitals from both Bahraini and Indian performers.
A Carnatic percussion and Bharathanatyam ensemble by Umayalpuram Kasiviswanatha Sivaraman and Parshwanath Upadhye is set to be held tonight.
“The collaboration between these two maestros is highly anticipated as it brings together the intricate beats of the mridangam with the storytelling prowess of Bharatanatyam,” BKS president P V Radhakrishna Pillai said. “The audience can expect a captivating performance that celebrates the rich cultural fabric of Indian classical music and dance.”
Tomorrow, a musical show ‘Agni 3’ conceived and directed by Soorya Krishnamoorthy is set to take the stage.
On Monday, Bahraini musician Faisal Al Kooheji will serenade audiences with his Oud and vocal performances.
Indian playback singer and actor Vijay Yesudas will perform a semi-classical and Carnatic concert on Tuesday.
Father-daughter duo P Unnikrishnan and Uthara will be putting on a Carnatic classical and semi classical vocal performance on Wednesday.
On Thursday, the focus will be on Indian classical dance with Vidya Pradeep and Anitha performing Mohiniyattam – a dance form originating from Kerala which gets its name from Mohini – the female enchantress avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu.
This will be followed by 45-minute performances by Priyadarshini Govind and Vidhya Subramanian.
Renowned Indian violinist, composer and conductor Dr Lakshminarayana Subramaniam will close out the festival on Friday with a classical violin recital.
“We extend a heartfelt invitation to all to join in this cultural festivity that not only entertains but also educates and enlightens,” said BKS general secretary Varghese Karakkal. “The Indo-Bahrain Dance and Music Festival is more than an event; it’s a cultural movement that celebrates the universal language of the arts.”
The festival is open to all and attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure their seats, said organisers.
For more information call 39691590 or 39617620.
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