Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, his sons Amaan and Ayaan to perform at the break of dawn this Sunday
(From left) Amaan, Ustad Amjad and Ayaan Ali Khan
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Sarod legend Ustad Amjad Ali Khan will be joined by his sons Amaan and Ayaan for a morning concert at the Gateway of India this Sunday. Titled A Spiritual Morning With Living Legend Sarod Maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, the free event has been organised by Pancham Nishad in association with Cultural Department of Maharashtra and Mumbai Port Trust.
When we asked the maestro if the setting, which is an iconic city landmark, made a difference, Ustad Khan replied, "I am sure performing against the backdrop of the Qutab Minar, Red Fort, Taj Mahal or in this case, Gateway of India, does make a difference, but a sarod player like me prefers a closed auditorium, because my instrument demands a closed venue. I have played open-air concerts in Mumbai many times, and I'm always worried about the temperament of my instrument."
Amaan is looking forward to performing at the iconic venue. "It's a morning concert, which is a rarity. Besides, it will be different and challenging because it's in the open. Usually, the sarod has a tiff with sea winds. So it will be interesting to present morning ragas as we don't get to perform at morning concerts," he elaborates.
Though his sons often accompany him in shows, Ustad Khan is glad that they also have their own identity. "Amaan and Ayaan are not my accompanying musicians. We're not Amjad Ali Khan and party, like Bismillah Khan and party. I feel happy when they are invited for duets or solo performances," he says. Ayaan is elated that his first performance for the year is with his father. "This is the best way to start 2018. We are blessed to have our father as our guru."
On : January 7, 6.30 am
At : Gateway of India, Apollo Bunder.
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