Reintroducing classical music to youth

New Delhi: Delhi's youth can connect with India's traditional classical music in an upcoming 'Dilli Durbar' organised by Dilli Gharana.

Featuring India's most renowned classical maestros like Birju Maharaj and Iqbal Ahmed Khan, the two-day 'Durbar' will take place at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) here on March 16 and 17. The musical extravaganza is an attempt to reintroduce classical music to the youth.

"I had the great privilege to learn music under the great maestros of Indian classical arts; they not only taught us the art but also imbibed in us the great Indian culture and traditions.

Being the flag-bearer of Dilli Gharana, I feel that I must now pass on my learnings to the younger generation to refine their sensibilities and to cultivate their taste for these finer things in life," Dilli Gharana doyen and the founder of the festival Ustad Iqbal Ahmed Khan said in a statement.

The event will also feature Shovana Narayan (Kathak); Ustad Rashid Khan, Wasifuddin Dagar and Ashwini Bhide Deshpande (classical vocals); Ustad Shahid Parvez (sitar), Ustad Asghar Hussain (violin).

Also lined up are film industry personalities like Kailash Kher, Javed Ali and Piyush Mishra, and younger practitioners of classical music traditions.

Visitors can look forward to performances on Hindustani classical music vocals; Kathak, classical and carnatic music instrumental, workshops and lectures and discussions, amalgamation of Ghazal and Dastangoi as well as Sufi Jugalbandi, Sufi Qalam, and Qawwali. Bands A R Divine, Fusion Band by Gharana Unplugged and Sufi Rock by Rocknama will also perform.

Lovers of food from the streets of Old Delhi can also make a beeline to the fest, which has a 'Dilli 6 Food Festival' curated by cultural non-profit Purani Dilli Walo Ki Baatein.

An exhibition of musical instruments and a culture bazaar are also planned. This inaugural edition of Dilli Durbar will be in collaboration with Sursagar Society, Ameer Khusro Institute of Music and DG Productions.

The timings are from 12 pm to 10 pm, entry is free.