Category
Music
Artists
Date
August 27th 2024
ECHOES OF MALHAR: A Resounding Success
Hindustani Classical Recital of Monsoon Ragas by Siddhartha Belmannu
On a memorable evening, the audience at koota was transported to a realm of monsoon melodies during the much-anticipated Hindustani classical recital, “Echoes of Malhar.” This enchanting event, featuring the monsoon ragas, was graced by the prodigious Siddhartha Belmannu, a Hindustani vocalist rooted in the Gwalior and Kirana Gharana tradition. Accompanying him were two outstanding musicians: Sarfaraz Khan on the sarangi and Sumit Naik on the tabla.
Siddhartha Belmannu – Hindustani Vocal
Siddhartha Belmannu, born on October 2, 1996, in Karkala, Karnataka, delivered a mesmerizing performance that left the audience spellbound. A prodigy with a three-octave voice, Siddhartha’s journey from Carnatic Classical Music to Hindustani Classical under the tutelage of Sri P. R. Manjunath and the legendary Pandit Vinayak Torvi has been remarkable. His extensive training of over 13 years under Pandit Torvi was evident in his unique blend of tradition and innovation.
Siddhartha’s accolades, including a special mention in Forbes ’30 under 30′ in 2021, the Shanmukha Sangeet Shiromani Award in 2023, and the Karnataka State Award in 2018, are a testament to his exceptional talent. His research on the theory of time and seasons in Indian Raagas, conducted during his Master’s in Global Music from Vishwakarma University, Pune, added a profound depth to his performance. Having performed at prestigious platforms and collaborated with renowned artists, Siddhartha’s global recognition was well-reflected in this recital.
Accompaniment by:
Sarfaraz Khan – Sarangi
Sarfaraz Khan, from the esteemed Kirana Gharana, added a soulful dimension to the evening with his sarangi. Hailing from a lineage of distinguished musicians, Sarfaraz’s mastery was evident as he skillfully complemented Siddhartha’s vocals. His training under his father, Ustad Faiyaz Khan, and the legendary Guru Padma Vibhushan Pt. Ramnarayan, has honed his craft to perfection. Sarfaraz’s accolades, including the Inspiring Indian Youth Icon Award and being an A-grade artist from A.I.R, showcased his dedication and talent. His performances across India and internationally have established him as a respected figure in the world of classical music.
Sumith Naik – Tabla
Sumith Naik, born on October 2, 1989, in Kochi, Kerala, demonstrated his prowess on the tabla, providing a rhythmic foundation that elevated the evening’s performance. With 16 years of experience and a Master’s in Tabla with a gold medal from Dr. Gangubai Hangal University of Music and Performing Arts, Mysore, Sumith’s expertise was undeniable. His training under Vidwan Shri. Naveen Pai and Dr. Udayraj Karpur, along with his experience in various genres, added a dynamic and versatile touch to the recital. Sumith’s contributions to the performing arts and recognition, including the GSB award and the title “LAYA-PRATIBHA,” were evident in his captivating performance.
A Night to Remember
The “Echoes of Malhar” recital was a resounding success, leaving the audience in awe of the magic created by Siddhartha Belmannu, Sarfaraz Khan, and Sumith Naik. The evocative monsoon ragas, combined with the mastery of these exceptional artists, made it an unforgettable evening. The event not only celebrated the rich tradition of Hindustani classical music but also highlighted the profound emotional and symbolic associations of ragas with seasons and time.