Delhi, the capital of India, has a lot to offer its inhabitants, guests, as well as short-term visitors. As a lifestyle blogger based in Delhi, I often look for fun experiences and activities in the fields of art and culture, history, music and the like. Last month, while I was firmly in the grips of the A to Z international blogging challenge, I attended a fantastic musical evening called “Sounds From The Desert”. I’m now finally free after publishing the resultant ebook, and excited to tell my readers about this phenomenal experience.
SOUNDS FROM THE DESERT SHOW:
Our Indian heritage is multifarious, with literally something for everyone to enjoy. Rajasthani folk music, as well as the energetic dance forms, colourful costumes and innovative instruments, in particular, have enthralled audiences for generations.
This beautifully organised show took place at the Siri Fort Auditorium in Delhi on April 26, 2019, to rekindle the interest in Rajasthani folk heritage amongst the cosmopolitan city-dwellers of Delhi.
I have visited the beautiful State of Rajasthan in India on various occasions, and I have witnessed their cultural performances at close quarters. Hence, I was expecting a similar performance, albeit on stage without the requisite desert ambiance. To my pleasant surprise, the show included different components that made it truly unique. Perhaps aimed at a millennial audience, the 2 hour show included fantastic regional artists, accompanied by talented musicians on traditional instruments, and the occasional appearance of folk dancers; but it also had an amazing audio-visual element. A large screen placed behind the performers, played a movie capturing scenes from desert life, transporting the audience to the desert, in the comfort of the air-conditioned auditorium in their home city. Talented artists on the drums and synthesizer added oomph to the fascinating sounds of the traditional instruments.
It was hard to believe that two hours flew by so quickly, with the audience even requesting an encore once the show was over!
18 talented musicians on stage at the show
THE PERFORMERS:
The star performer of the evening was the internationally renowned Kutle Khan, known for his soulful voice, ability to play multiple instruments and write and compose his own songs. He was ably accompanied by his brother Gafur Khan who masterfully interspersed the tiny Morsing instrument placed in the mouth, with the wooden Khartal, never missing a beat. The duo amazed me with their outstanding singing talent, their palpable energy, as well as their skill at keeping their audience enthralled.
The interludes to most songs were dedicated to the powerful beats of the Nagara drums played by Nathulal Solanki and his team. The Langas musicians and talented dancers of the Khatu Sapera troupe, added to the magic of the evening.
The dance troupe takes the stage
THE ORGANISERS:
Showcase Events joined hands with Turnkey Music & Publishing Pvt. Ltd to produce the two shows in this series- the first having taken place in Mumbai in January. Turnkey is well-known for the popular Paddy Fields Folk/ Fusion Festival that takes place in Mumbai. With Hindustan Times as their flagship sponsor, as well as a host of other recognised sponsors, the show was beautifully organised, without a single hitch.
The tickets were reasonably priced for such an amazing world-class experience. Once the show was over, the audience rose to a standing ovation, not wanting it to end.
It is likely that the show will do the rounds of other Indian cities in the coming months, and I highly recommend a visit to “Sounds From The Desert”, if it comes to yours.
This blog is a part of the #LetsBlogWithPri Campaign hosted by Prisha Lalwani from www.mummasaurus.com. I would like to thank Disha Mehrotra of http://www.lifemyway.in for introducing me in the blog train. You can read her blog here. I would like to introduce Kapila Rattan Bhowmik of http://www.everylittlethinghappiness.com. You can read her blog here.
*This is not a sponsored post.
**Copyright in all pictures belongs to nooranandchawla.