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Artist – Smt. Aarti Ankalikar-Tikekar
8th of February 2008 was a special day indeed. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s Muktangan Exploratory, in collaboration with the Society for Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth had organized a musical concert of renowned vocalist Smt. Aarti Ankalikar-Tikekar at the Exploratory. Students of the 7th and 8th grade of our school were invited for this concert. I was given the golden opportunity of compering for the programme with two of my friends.
I welcomed and introduced Smt. Tikekar. She did not begin her performance right away, but first conversed with us in a very friendly manner and encouraged us to sing the seven musical notes along with her. Soon, the hall was resonating with the wonderful sound of Indian classical music. I realized that Smt. Tikekar was, indeed, blessed with a rich and beautiful voice. She captivated the audience with her charming speech and melodious song. We were held spellbound by the tuneful classical raga she presented for us. The harsh chill of the morning melted away into the warm, beautiful notes of the raga!
Smt. Tikekar’s accompanists on the harmonium and tabla played their instruments beautifully and seemed very involved in the composition. The sweet notes of the harmonium resounded in the hall and the superb rhythm of the tabla was a treat to our ears!
But the best part of the recital was when Smt. Tikekar invited a few students on the dais to sing along with her! I was one of the privileged ones who got an opportunity to accompany Smt. Tikekar. Then, she answered questions put forth by the audience. Her speech was laced with gentle humour!
Finally, the concert came to an end and everyone came away, impressed. All in all, it was an exceedingly outstanding performance, which touched my heart and soul.
By: - Vidisha Chirmulay
Std. 8 – A
Bhavan's Sulochana Natu Vidya Mandir, Pune
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