Hindustani Vocal Duet By Gundecha Brothers

If Dhrupad singing strikes a chord with you, tonite's concert will be a graduate degree in ecstasy. For, it's the Gundecha Brothers in town.

On the occasion of the 34th Annual Pandit Motiram Pandit Maniram Sangeet Samaroh from 30th November to 3rd December, the Department of Culture is organising a Dhrupad vocal recital by the Gundecha Brothers today at the Nizam College grounds.

The Gundecha Brothers - Umakant and Ramakant Gundecha - have emerged as the torch-bearers of the great Dhrupad tradition, which they have inherited from their gurus, the Dagar brothers. Born in Ujjain, the Gundecha brothers had their musical training at the Madhav Music College in Ujjain. After obtaining post-graduate degrees in music, both brothers received rigorous training in the Dhrupad-style of singing from the renowned vocalist Ustad Zia Fariduddin Dagar and his elder brother, the veena virtuoso Ustad Zia Mohiuddin Dagar, at the Dhrupad Kendra in Bhopal.

Dhrupad is one of the oldest styles of Hindustani classical singing. The Gundecha brothers' rendition of Dhrupad is marked by a sense of melody, sensitivity, and an emphasis that takes the listener back to Dhrupad's ancient and timeless roots. The brothers have, in fact, led the way in the revival of Dhrupad by incorporating the poetry of Tulsidas, Padmakar, Nirala and Keshav Das into their music. This has served to significantly enhance the poetic content of Dhrupad.

Over the last several years, the brothers' fame and popularity have spread steadily both in India and abroad. They have been invited to perform by various organizations such as the Sangeet Research Academy, the Dhrupad Society, the Sangeet Natak Academy and the Music Academy. They have been featured internationally in various festivals, including the Festival of India, held in various countries, and have won the hearts of audiences and critics alike.

In memory of his late father Pandit Motiram and brother Pandit Maniram, Sangeet Martand Pandit Jasraj organises a music festival every year at the Nizam College grounds, where his father and brother taught music to several students. The entry to the samaroh is free.

Please contact the Department of Culture at 2324-2482, for further details.