See a Gwalior maestro serenade Mumbai

Sharad Sathe

Pandit Sharad Sathe, master khayal vocalist of the Gwalior Gharana is known to be one of the few living maestros, a connection to the city's Hindustani classical heritage. The 86-year-old had a continuous training spanning four decades, 1950 onwards, from the great gurus of the Gwalior gharana, such as Pandit DV Paluskar (1949-55), professor BR Deodhar (1956-66) and Pandit Sharatchandra Arolkar (1966-94). Interestingly, music is not Pandit Sathe's only forte. He's also a master artist and calligrapher with a degree in commercial arts from JJ School of Arts.

Now, Pandit Sathe is set to serenade Mumbaikars in his upcoming concert titled Night Sky. Held in the intimate setting of the black box theatre at G5A, this special night concert will begin in the evening and continue till late hours. He will present rare compositions from his repertoire, comprising late night raagas that are not usually presented on concert platforms today.

Pandit Sathe has been an arts administrator involved with the running of organisations like the Dadar Matunga Cultural Centre, that is known to have been promoting classical music in the city for decades. Besides his talent, it was from Pandit Arolkar, that he got an added insight into the ideological base of Gwalior's gharana, and also some rare compositions in forms like khayals, tappas and taranas.

The tappa especially, given its complexity and the stamina it demands, has very few exponents left. Given Sathe's vast repertoire and mastery over his music, the Night Sky provides a fine opportunity for classical music lovers to experience the genre at its most precious.

When: February 24, 8.30 pm to 11.30 pm
Where: G5A Foundation for Contemporary Culture, Laxmi Mills, Mahalakshmi
Entry: Rs 500
Call: 24909393

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