Suhana Basant

*REMEMBERING Ustad Bale Khan on his 82nd Birthday*

Ustad Bale Khan ( 29 /08 /1942 to 02/12 /2007 ) was a genial, simple, unassuming person.

Let me share an interesting event from the good old days. It was in the early 1980s. One fine Sunday morning he came to me. He wanted me to accompany him to meet Pt. Gajanan bua Joshi, a renowned musician of those days, had come to Dharwad and was with his disciple Sri GR Nimbargi, staff artiste, AIR, Dharwad. It was our pleasure meeting a senior respected musician and seeking his blessings.
He knew about the illustrious musical heritage of Sitar Ratna Rahimat Khan. After tea and an exchange of pleasantries, Sri Nimbargi requested Bale Khanji to organize a music concert of Joshi bua. He looked at me and I said okay. How could we lose such an opportunity? Those days Sitar Ratna Samiti / Bharatiya Sangeeta Vidyalaya organised only the Annual Music Festival. So we had to plan it differently. Then it was decided that Joshi bua's violin recital would be held the very next Sunday evening.

There was no talk about 'bidagi'. Joshi bua's only desire was for his friend " Basavanni " ( BS Bendigeri ) to provide Tabla saath sangat. We had no money but we were committed to keeping our promise. We met the headmaster of a nearby school and he readily agreed to provide a small hall in the school for the concert. No charges. Bendigeriji was more than pleased.

By that time I had 50 - 60 colleagues - friends in LIC who were music lovers. I invited them. Balekhanji invited his friends in AIR and outside. Thus it was an intimate gathering of nearly 200 music lovers. It turned out to be a lively, delightful violin recital with enlivening Tabla saath sangat by the inimitable Bendigeriji.

It was a full-time concert. We had a tea break . 2 to 3 friends of mine and I appealed to the audience to donate liberally. An on-the-spot collection of nearly Rs 2000 could be made. Balekhanji added his contribution to make it Rs 2000. That was the Honorarium we paid to the artists respectfully. They were happy and so were we.
That was Bale Khanji. His respect and regard for senior musicians were immense!

As remembered by ,

Raghavendra Ayi
President , Sitar Ratna Samiti , Dharwad
Bengaluru Aug.29 , 2023

Local news coverage of Ustad Bale Khan Music Festival

Wishing a very happy birthday to our Khan Twin Brothers from Dharwad Sitar Gharana.
We wish them good health and prosperous life! 🥳🥳🪁🪁🙌🙌

Top: Ustad Shafique Khan
Bottom: Ustad Rafique Khan

Today news coverage of our festival at Maharashtra Lokmanch

पुण्यात येत्या १ व २ जुलै रोजी संपन्न होणार सितार नवाज उस्ताद बाले खान संगीत महोत्सव - Maharashtra Lokmanch पुण्यात येत्या १ व २ जुलै रोजी संपन्न होणार सितार नवाज उस्ताद बाले खान संगीत महोत्सव

Witness one of foremost exponents of Dharwad Sitar Gharana Ustad Usman Khan. He holds a legacy of 500year old music tradition and continues to enthral audience worldwide with his sublime and spiritual take towards music :)

Date: 1st July 5pm onwards
Registration link: https://forms.gle/gvs7g9fds6twDEsJ7

Free entry for limited audience :)

Witness and electrifying Sitar-Sarod duet act of Ustad Rafique Khan and Shri Abhisek Lahiri on 2nd July.

Tabla: Pandit Ramdas Palsule.
Registration link: https://forms.gle/gvs7g9fds6twDEsJ7
FREE ENTRY !

Cumulus Systems and Suhana Basant presents 'Sitar Nawaz Ustad Bale Khan Sangeet Mahotsav 2023'

We invite everyone to witness India's top artists on the 1st and 2nd July.
Registration form: https://forms.gle/gvs7g9fds6twDEsJ7
ENTRY FREE !

Uday Bhawalkar is among the foremost Dhrupad vocalists and has been a strong force in its growing recognition, popularity and resurgence, worldwide. Uday believes that when immersed in the note and raga, the self disappears and music takes on its own existence; the principle of ‘darshan’ in Indian philosophy.

Register for free : https://forms.gle/gvs7g9fds6twDEsJ7

Anuradha is a well-known vocalist of the Bhendi Bazar Gharana. She has been trained for 15 years by the veteran musician Guru Pt. T.D. Janorikar
She is endowed with a rich and mellifluous voice which makes her adept at singing both light and classical music with equal ease.
Register here: https://forms.gle/gvs7g9fds6twDEsJ7

Within India, his memorable performance of the ragas Malkauns and Dhun at the Sawai Gandharva Mahotsav Pune in 1992 earned accolades from music critics.

Ustad Usman Khan has enthralled audience across Europe, USA and India. At 82 years Ustadji still makes his thunderous presence felt at the stage with his melodic improvisations.

Come join us on 1st July 5pm onwards to watch him live

Announcement for 2nd Artist of our Festival !

Kalpan a Zokarkar was introduced to music at aKalpana Zokarkar was introduced to music at tender age.
She displayed an innate talent and a deep passion for singing, which led her to receive rigorous training in the Gwalior and Agra gharanas, two prominent schools of Hindustani classical music.

Her rich heritage which includes Ustad Rajjab Ali Khan of Dewas, her father and guru, Shree Krishnarao Majumdar (Mamasaheb) who had the rare opportunity of close contact with many stalwart vocalists; Pt. Bhaskar Rao Khandeparkar, Smt. Anjanibai Malpekar, Pt. S.N. Ratanjankar and many others.

Venue: Smt. Shankuntala Shetty Auditorium
Dates: 1st and 2nd July 23

Proud Sponsors: systems ,

Introducing Ustad Bale Khan

Ustad Bale Khan stands as an eminent figure in the world of Indian classical music, revered for his exceptional artistry and virtuosity on the sitar. With his unparalleled mastery of this iconic stringed instrument.

First artist of our festival.
Bhimanna Jadhav

He expertises in playing this ancient wind instrument named 'Sundri' which also happens to be his family legacy. He learnt this instrument from his grandfather Late Sidram Jadhav and gave his first performance at the age of 7.

Suhana Basant and Cumulus Systems present 'Sitar Nawaz Ustad Bale Khan Sangeet Mahotsav 2023'.

Dates: 1st and 2nd July
Kothrud, Pune

We are thrilled to announce the much-awaited Sitar Nawaz Ustad Bale Khan Sangeet Mahotsav 2023 , a celebration of the rich heritage and soul-stirring melodies of India.
Mark your calendars for this enchanting extravaganza, where the timeless art of Indian classical music will take center stage and transport you to a world of sublime beauty.

Prepare to be mesmerized as renowned maestros, virtuosos, and rising stars of Indian classical music come together on a single platform to showcase their exceptional talent and ignite your passion for this ancient musical tradition. The festival will feature performances in various classical genres, including Hindustani and Carnatic music, offering a diverse and captivating experience for all music enthusiasts.

Lineups to be announced soon !

Happy Holi to Everyone !
Here is a Hori Geet "Na Maro Bhar Pichkari" by Pandit Vijay Koparkar performed at our 2022 edition.

Pandit Vijay Koparkar | Bhairavi | Hori Geet | Music of India #vocals #indianclassical 'Sitar Nawaz Ustad Bale Khan Sangeet Mahotsav 2022' organised by Suhana Basant Foundation a Non-Profit Organisation based out of Pune.As Pandit Vijay Koparka...

Some snippets from our concert held in January.

Teaser video to be out today by 9pm
Stay tuned for further videos

Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. Saraswat Bank

Hello Everyone!
We are looking for teachers in the following categories (part/full time teaching position )

1. Carnatic Vocals
2. Western Vocals
3. Piano/Keyboard
4. Guitar / Ukulele
5. Hindustani Vocals

Leads and references are welcomed
Thanks 🙂

Introducing Mohasin Khan, a masterful musician who brings the ancient and beautiful art of sitar playing to new heights. With years of training and a deep understanding of traditional Indian music, he creates a sound that is both mesmerising and unique. Their skilful finger-work and emotional expressiveness on the sitar transport listeners to another world. Be sure to catch him live on 20th January.

FREE ENTRY !!!

Venue: Nehru Auditorium, Ghole Road, Pune

Introducing Rais Bale Khan, a vocalist and sitar player who seamlessly blends the traditional and the contemporary. With a deep understanding of Indian classical music and a natural talent for singing, he creates a unique and captivating sound that is truly one of a kind.

ENTRY FREE !

Venue: Nehru Auditorium, Ghole Road, Pune
Time: 5pm onwards

Introducing our first performer Sandhya Kelkar, a senior artist whose work is sure to captivate and inspire us. Do check here out on 20th January and show your support.

Venue: Nehru Auditorium, Ghole Road, Pune.

ENTRY FREE !!!

We are glad to announce our next musical fest 'Riwayat' in memory of Ustad Hameed Khan an exponent of Dharwad Sitar Gharana and a revered composer.

We kindly invite people of Pune to join for this musical evening.

Date: 20th January, Friday
5pm onwards

Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. Saraswat Bank Cumulus Systems

Catch the live performance of Pandit Ganapati Bhat as he beautifully expresses Raag Janasammohini with soulful touch of his voice accompanied by the the veteran Pandit Raghunath Nakod.

Today at 9pm.

Do watch the full video performance and also do share :)

Full Video of Vidushi Arati Anklikar Tikekar is now available on our Suhana Basant Channel.
Please do like, subscribe and share this video :)

Arati Anklikar Tikekar | Hamsakinkini-Bhimpalasi | ft Tanmay Deochake, Pt. R. Nakod | Music of India Vidushi Arati Anklikar Tikekar presenting a beautiful bandish in Hamsa Kinkini and concluding the performance with an electrifying tarana in Bhimpalasi at ou...

Can you guess our next artist ?

Having mesmerised the audience at the festival we cant wait to share the performance video to all our fans and viewers.

It's going to be a treat!

Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. Ministry of Culture, Government of India Aarti Anklikar Tikekar

Our Panch Sitar Performance is already out.
Have you seen it ?

if not then you are surely missing out on some amazing Hindustani Music Presentation with a beautiful blend of Dhrupad and Khayal.

Tap on the link below and please do share :)

Dharwad Sitar Family| Puriya| Ustad Chhote Rahimat, Rafique,Shafique, Rais,Hafiz Khan|Music of India Basant The sight of 5 sitarists on a single stage has its own unique charm. Ustad Chhote Rahimat Khan, Ustad Rafique Khan, Ustad Shafique Khan, Rais...

The sitar sounds beautiful owing to the resonance of the notes played.
Listen to how wonderful the resonance created by 5 sitars played at once sounds on our youtube channel tomorrow 12th November at 9pm.

Sitar: Ustad Chhote Rahimat Khan, Ustad Rafique Khan , Ustad Shafique kha, Rais Bale Khan and Hafiz Khan.

Pakhawaj: Omkar Dalvi
Tabla: Pandurang pawar

Guess our next Performance ?

Here comes highlight of our Festival.
A memorable performance by the whole team lead by Mysore Brothers Mysore Manjunath and Sumanth Manjunath.

Tabla: Pt. Ramdas Palsule
Mridagam: Muruga Boopathi

Watch the full performance here and subscribe to our channel for more content

Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. Kannada Sangha Pune's Kaveri Institute of Education Saraswat Bank Ministry of Culture, Government of India

Carnatic Violin Duet | Vidwan Mysore Manjunath, Sumanth, Pt.Ramdas Palsule, Vidwan Muruga Boopathi Basant 'Sitar Nawaz Ustad Bale Khan Sangeet Mahotsav 2022' organised by Suhana Basant Foundation a Non-Profit Organisation based out of Pune.Violin: ...

Catch the 'Carnatic Violin Fusion Ensemble' by Vidwan Mysore Manjunath and Sumanth Manjunath this Saturday 5th Nov at 11:30am on our Youtube Channel.

Violin: Vidwan Mysore Manjunath and Sumanth Manjunath
Tabla: Pandit Ramdas Palsule
Mridangam: Vidwan Tanjore Muruga Boopathi

Mysore Brothers Pt. Ramdas Palsule Sumanth Manjunath

Kannada Sangha Pune's Kaveri Institute of Education Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. Saraswat Bank Cumulus Systems Ministry of Culture, Government of India

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7265kz7TXE8&ab_channel=SuhanaBasant

As Pandit Vijay Koparkar concludes day 1, sounds of Bhairavi are still ringing in our ears. Here is a snippet of Pt Vijay Koparkar presenting the bandish "Na Maro Bhar Pichkari".

Enthralling the atmosphere with the richness of his vocal texture and grace of notes, Vijay Ji makes sure that the listener would experience a surreal journey through this Bhairavi

Vocals: Pandit Vijay Koparkar
Tabla: Vivek Bhalerao
Harmonium: Rahul Ghole

Please do Like and Subscribe to our channel for more updates and performances :)

Soothing Bhairavi Bandish |Na Maro Bhar Pichkari | Pt. Vijay Koparkar | #vocals #indianclassical 'Sitar Nawaz Ustad Bale Khan Sangeet Mahotsav 2022' organised by Suhana Basant Foundation a Non-Profit Organisation based out of Pune.As Pandit Vijay Koparka...

We were glad to have experienced Pandit Vijay Koparkar's mellifluous hindustani vocal presentation along with his team.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=422306536762036&id=100069480801366

Nanu Badavi Aata Badava Our heartfelt tributes to the great Kannada poet, Varakavi Sri Dattatreya Ramachandra Bendre, who enriched Kannada poetry and literature in his own unique st...

Our heartfelt tributes to the great Kannada poet, Varakavi Sri Dattatreya Ramachandra Bendre, who enriched Kannada poetry and literature in his own unique style. Remembering him today on 26th October on his death anniversary...🙏

Please do listen and bless us.

Like, Share and Subscribe 🙏

Nanu Badavi Aata Badava Our heartfelt tributes to the great Kannada poet, Varakavi Sri Dattatreya Ramachandra Bendre, who enriched Kannada poetry and literature in his own unique st...

Our first performance is by the dynamic Father-Son Duo of Pt. Raghunath Nakod and Dr. Ravikiran Nakod is now available on our youtube channel. Hailing from the city of Dharwad in North Karnataka, they beautifully blended the components of Tabla Solo playing in Teentaal.

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCBR2NX2AC8&ab_channel=SuhanaBasant

Powerful Tabla Solo | Father-Son Duo | Pt. Raghunath & Dr.Ravikiran Nakod | #tabla #musicfestival Sitar Nawaz Ustad Bale Khan Sangeet Mahotsav 2022 organised by Suhana Basant Foundation a Non-Profit Organisation situated in Pune.Our first performance is b...