Posted on 30 January 2026:
A Resonant Tribute: Indian Classical Music Concert at Mahanayak Uttam Mancha, Kolkata
On 16th January 2026, the historic stage of Mahanayak Uttam Mancha in Kolkata came alive with the timeless spirit of Indian classical music. Conceptualized and managed by the gifted classical vocalist Soumi Majumdar, the evening unfolded as a deeply engaging concert that celebrated tradition while nurturing its future.
Organized by Patuli Sreerampore North Sabrang, the programme carried the noble mission of promoting and propagating classical music, while paying heartfelt homage to the legendary maestros Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan and his son Ustad Munawwar Ali Khan Saheb.
Soumi Majumdar, herself a disciple of Ustad Raja Ali Khan Saheb—the grandson of Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, fondly remembered as “Sabrang”—embodies a lineage steeped in musical excellence. As the cherished protégé of the iconic Geetashri Sandhya Mukhopadhyay, her artistry bridges generations, weaving together heritage and devotion.
The evening commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, a symbolic gesture of reverence and illumination. The event was graced by distinguished personalities including classical vocalist Shri Subhasish Mukhopadhyay, singer Shri Sumit Roy, Dr. Mausam Mondal, actor Shri Judhajit Banerjee, Dr. Purnima Mukhopadhyay, and Shri Atif Ali Khan, alongside Swapan Majumdar and Sujata Majumdar. Their presence underscored the cultural significance of the gathering, making it not just a concert but a collective tribute to India’s rich musical legacy.
Auspicious Beginnings: Classical Resonance in Kolkata
The concert opened with grace and devotion, as young talents Antarag Mondal, Ri Purkait, and Abantika Ghosh presented a soulful bandish in Raga Bhupali alongside a guru bhajan composed by Sumit Roy. Their performance set a serene tone, embodying the promise of a new generation of classical musicians.
This was followed by Ananya Maity’s rendering of Raga Puriya Dhanashree and Manjima Maitra’s evocative interpretation of Raga Jog, each carrying the depth and beauty of tradition. Sensitive accompaniment on tabla by Shri Pritam Polle and harmonium by Shri Suraj Sharma enriched the evening’s flow.
Every bandish performed was a composition of Ustad Raja Ali Khan Saheb, weaving lineage and legacy into a night of music that honored tradition while nurturing its future.
A Celebration of Lineage and Legacy in Music
The second session unfolded with the brilliance of Shri Siraj Ali Khan, grandson of Ustad Ali Akbar Khan Saheb, whose soulful sarod recital in Raga Hem Behag and Zila Kafi resonated with depth and elegance. Accompanied by the legendary tabla maestro Pandit Samar Saha—honored on stage for his 70th birthday—the performance rose to a sublime dimension, blending virtuosity with heartfelt tribute.
Following this, Soumi Majumdar offered an exquisite khayal in Raga Nand, weaving vilambit Ektal, drut Teental bandish, and tarana composed by Ustad Raja Ali Khan Saheb, before moving into a thumri in Mishra Khamaj. Her immersive gayaki, marked by rich raga delineation and a distinctive vocal timbre, held the audience spellbound. Continuing her rigorous training in the Kasar–Patiala Gharana under Ustad Raja Ali Khan Saheb, and blessed by Geetashri Sandhya Mukhopadhyay, Soumi’s artistry was further enriched by the sensitive accompaniment of Pandit Shubhen Chatterjee on tabla and Shri Anirban Chakraborty on harmonium.
A Timeless Finale: Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri’s Tabla Recital
The evening reached its zenith with an awe-inspiring solo tabla recital by Padma Shri Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri. At 80, the sage-like maestro held the audience spellbound, his sublime artistry radiating wisdom and devotion. The programme flowed seamlessly under the eloquent compering of Shri Dipan Pal, whose presence added grace to the occasion.
Eminent artists, scholars, patrons, and music lovers gathered in warm applause, affirming the spirit of this initiative—an enduring tribute to the promotion and preservation of pure classical music.
“Rooted in devotion and carried by collective spirit, our journey to preserve and share the timeless soul of classical music will continue to bloom across generations.”— Soumi Majumdar, organiser of the program.
