Nagpur: The serene strains of the flute and expansive depth of Hindustani khayal music set stage for a memorable evening as Saptak Nagpur’s two-day classical music festival opened to a packed audience. Celebrated flautist Nityanand Haldipur and Kirana gharana vocalist Jayateerth Mevundi delivered captivating performances that left music lovers spellbound at Kavi Kulaguru Kalidas Auditorium in Gayatri Nagar.Organised to mark the birth centenary of legendary musician Annapurna Devi and in memory of Moreshwar Madhav Deshpande, the festival drew a large turnout of classical music enthusiasts from across the city.Opening the evening, Haldipur presented a flute recital that began with Raga Marwa, gradually unfolding the raga’s contemplative mood through intricate improvisations and melodic progression. The performance resonated strongly with listeners, who responded with sustained applause. He later rendered the Dadra composition ‘Mohe Panaghat Pe’, bringing a lighter, expressive dimension to the recital. The performance was accompanied by Urja Bahadure on tanpura and Swapnil Bhise on tabla, with Andre Dragoy assisting on flute. Vivek Deshpande welcomed the artistes.The second session featured Mevundi, whose rich and powerful voice filled the auditorium as he presented a khayal in Raga Shuddha Kalyan, rendering the composition ‘Tum Bin Kaun Khabariya Le’. The recital was supported by Urja Bahadure on tanpura, Swapnil Bhise on tabla and Abhinay Ravandhe on harmonium. Dr Shriram Kane of Saptak welcomed the artistes.The programme was anchored by Prof Vivek Aloni and Gauri Modak. Among those present were retired Justice Vikas Sirpurkar, Vivek and Varsha Deshpande of Spacewood, and several members of the music fraternity. The festival concluded on Sunday with a sitar recital by Partha Bose, followed by a vocal performance by Devaki Pandit.
