Anoushka Shankar to perform at Swami Haridas Tansen Festival

New Delhi, Dec 29: Come January and connoisseurs can look forward to some of the best names in performing arts and music in the capital – from sitarist Anoushka Shankar to maestro Shujaat Khan and Hindustani classical music veteran Chhannulal Mishra – at the Swami Haridas Tansen Sangeet Nritya Mahotsav.

The three-day festival, to be held from January 8, 2016, aims to revive the interest in traditional genres, both musical and performing arts, especially among the younger generation.

While versatile and internationally known Kathak exponent Uma Sharma will be the major attraction in the performing arts section, sitar maestros Shujaat Khan and Anoushka Shankar, Hindustani classical music veteran Chhannulal Mishra and ace flutist Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia are names that add weight.

Performing continuously in the festival for many years, Uma Sharma said: “Who wouldn’t want to be a part of a festival dedicated to Swami Haridas and Mian Tansen?” The other eminent artists include Ajoy Chakrabarty (vocal), Ashwini Bhide Deshpande (vocal), Aashish Khan (sarod), Vishwamohan Bhatt (Mohan veena), Amjad Ali Khan, Amaan Ali Khan and Ayaan Ali Khan (sarod).

The festival dates to the 1970s to commemorate the legendary guru-shishya parampara between the venerable saint-musician, poet and composer of Brindavan, Swami Haridas and his illustrious disciple Mian Tansen – Baiju Bawra. Organised by the Bhartiya Sangeet Sadan and Sri Ram Center for Performing arts for the last 13 years in Delhi, the festival looks to expand its scale and to enrich the cultural and spiritual fabric of the society.

The festival will be held at Shankar Lal Hall, Modern School, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi from January 8 to 11, 2016. (IANS)