By Shyamhari Chakra
After suspension of its popular monthly concerts for 10 months due to the pandemic, Bhubaneswar Music Circle (BMC) is set to resume the series this evening at the Rabindra Mandap in Bhubaneswar.
The announcement by the nearly six-decade-old prominent cultural body – the only of its kind in Odisha – has brought back cheers to the artistes and connoisseurs alike.
Kolkata-based gifted Hindustani vocalist Sohini Roy Chowdhury is scheduled to stage her solo recital. She will be accompanied by Jenab Bilal Khan Salonvi on Table and Sumanta Moharana on Harmonium.
“We are finally allowed to host our programmes at Rabindra Mandap auditorium. It was a very painful period of wait for the Circle members, music connoisseurs and the artistes as well. We will abide by all the guidelines issued by the Government to ensure utmost safety at the auditorium,” BMC General Secretary Khirod Patnaik said.
Sohini is one of the most successful and outstanding performers of the famed Kirana Gharana, the hosts informed.
Guided and trained by Pandit A. T. Kanan and Ustad Sagiruddin Khan, she represents the new generation of veterans, worthy of wearing the mantle of the old masters.
Apart from Khayal, she is well known for her rich repertoire of Thumri, Dadra, Kajri, Chaiti, Sawani, Jhula and Tappa in the Poorab style of Benaras gharana, they added.
A qualified Chartered Accountant, Sohini is a close relative of legendary music composer R D Burman.
She has established her own institution – Geeta Bithika Academy of Music – in Kolkata.
She has travelled extensively all over the globe participating in various prestigious music conferences and festivals.
An ICCR empanelled artiste, she is also a graded artiste of Akashvani and Doordarshan.
She conducts workshops and lectures for SPICMACAY and other well-known cultural organisations.
Sohini has lent her voice for various telefilms and music channels.
