A landmark musical journey

With the theme “Taan-e Taan-e Pran-e Pran-e Ganth Nandanhaar”, Government Music College in Agargaon, Dhaka, celebrated its Golden Jubilee (1963-2013) by holding a vibrant musical event at the main auditorium of Bangladesh National Museum on September 21. It may be noted that the college was founded by Pandit Barin Majumdar.Present and former teachers, students, alumni, noted artistes and cultural personalities attended the programme that featured solo and choral renditions of songs and instrumental recitals.The artistes set off the event with a choral rendition of the national anthem. Several violinists orchestrated a performance, directed by Dr. Sheuli Bhattacharjee, an Assistant Professor of the college.Vocalist Mohammad Shoyeb rendered a melancholic raga “Darbari Kanada”.As an ode to the season autumn, artistes of the college performed a Nazrul song “Esho Sharod Prater Pothik” while noted soloists including Yakub Ali Khan and Abida Sultana presented “Daraley Duar-e Mor” and “Bhuli Kemoney” respectively. Abida Sultana also made the packed audience sway with her folk treat of the song “Banshi Shuney Aar Kaj Nai”.Following his passionate performance of the monsoon genre “Rimjhim Rimjhim Jhim” by renowned Nazrul singer Khalid Hossain, the audience encored for more –a request he declined. Popular artiste Ferdous Ara performed “Keno Bajao Banshi”. The rendition, accompanied with apt rhythm of kaharba by Swarup Hossain, was evocative as noted flautist Gazi Abdul Hakim produced a melodious piece in it.Asgar Alim, son of the legendary folk maestro Abdul Alim, enthralled the audience with his sonorous performance of the song “Sorbonaisha Padma Nodi” at the event.Among others, noted Tagore singer Tapan Mahmud rendered a solo song, Bahar recited a poem.Shahadat Hossain Khan recited classical music on his sarod, Rizwan rendered a chhoto kheyal set on raga “Behag”, performance of a choral Tagore number and ‘Sur Doria Epar Opar’ title winner Munir presented a folk song “Swarup Tui Biney Dukh” at the event.The musical programme came to an end with a vibrant folk song “Paar Kore Dey Noukaye Paar Kore Dey” performance in chorus. Tagore singer Lily Islam together with music researcher Kamol Khalid emceed the entire event.Prior to the musical performance, Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid as chief guest while Secretary of the Ministry of Education Dr. Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury and Director General of Directorate General of Secondary and Higher Education Professor Fahima Khatun as special guests spoke at the event. Vice-Principal of the college Rafiul Islam delivered the welcome address. Principal of the college Professor Shameema Parveen presided over the discussion.