NEW DELHI: Eminent music maestro Abhay Rustum Sopori enthralled all present with a scintillating santoor recital at the SaMaPa Aalap Festival in Jammu.

Presented by the Sopori Academy of Music And Performing Arts (SaMaPa) founded by the famous santoor maestro Pandit Bhajan Sopori in collaboration with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and Department of Tourism, the Ninth Annual festival of classical, sufi and folk music was attended by more than 500 students and a number of art lovers.

The concert was held at Army Public School, Ratnuchak, and guests included Mrs. Jasbir Brar, Principal Mrs. Sonal Sharma, the staff of the institute, musicologist and senior music critics of the country Pandit Vijay Shankar Mishra and Pandit Ravindra Misra, musicians Ragini Rainu, Zunain Halim Khan and many other music connoisseurs.

The programme began with the Saraswati Vandana, presented by the Army school choir and featuring a number of students under the guidance of Anil Sumbria. This was followed by the traditional lamp lighting ceremony by the artistes and the important guests. Mrs. Brar acknowledged the efforts of SaMaPa in conducting this special festival for the youth of the State and complimented Abhay Sopori on his spellbinding recital.

Abhay selected Raga Charukeshi, which is equally famous in the Hindustani as well as Carnatik style, presenting Aalap and Jod followed by compositions in Madhyalaya Teentaal, Drut Ektaal and Atidrut Teentaal. Students joined in singing with him in different compositions and patterns including a traditional Sufi Tarana of Sopori family. Abhay presented a Bandish written by him"Kaise Nithur Sang Neh Lagayee".

The students were mesmerised by Abhay’s enthralling presentation. Abhay’s recital demonstrated his great command on the instrument, high technical virtuosity with various stylistic nuances like Meend, Glides, Gamak, Taan, Laya and Chandh patterns created by his father and Guru, the great music legend Pandit Bhajan Sopori. He was accompanied on Tabla by Sh. Durjay Bhaumik who displayed a keen sense of rhythm and clarity of bols. Earlier Abhay spoke to the children and asked them to participate in all cultural activities and make music a full time interest. He said it will refine their entire personality into sensitive and responsible citizens. An interactive session for children was held with the maestro after the concert.

SAF 2014 will feature Sufi Vocal by Ragini Rainu at G.D. Goenka Public School at 11:00 am on 13 February.