THECONCERT SPRING INTO MUSIC

No voices here. The NCPA’S festival Saz-e-bahar, now in its eighth edition, focuses only on instrumental music. It provides a good opportunity to tune your ears to some talented instrumentalists across India. Saturday’s line-up includes

son and pupil of the eminent shehnai player, late Ali Ahmed Hassan. Ali Ahmed was a brilliant player who did not get his due because he was overshadowed by Bismillah Khan. Yet his shehnai was the only instrument used for the signature tune of the national television channel Doordarshan. Haider will breathe life into the shehnai with seasonal ragas. It’s interesting to note that while the sounds of the shehnai are asso

Haider (right), Hassan

of the instrument are Muslim.

Another performer, M Narmadha, is a daughter and pupil of the late maestro M S Gopalkrishnan. Narmadha accompanied her father on the violin in many city concerts. Her father was adept at playing both Hindustani and Carnatic music and had phenomenal control over his strings.

Namadha has inherited his technique. She has had several albums to her credit and has performed all over the world. She says that Saaz E Bahar represents the continuing tradition of Indian music. “I am excited about the event, and I have some traditional choices in mind,” she says. “This festival offers every artist to highlight their skills and also maintain live contact with the audience ”