Patna: The many moods of the monsoon came alive at Arthshila Patna on Saturday as acclaimed Hindustani classical vocalist Rajani Ramachandran of Santiniketan captivated music lovers with a recital of monsoon ragas.Titled ‘Malhar Rang’, the concert explored the season’s rich musical traditions through khayal renditions that reflected the anticipation, romance and vitality associated with the rains. Ramachandran’s nuanced performance drew an enthusiastic response from a packed audience.She was accompanied by tabla exponent Bivash Sanghai and harmonium player Rupashree Bhattacharya. Together, the artistes created a seamless musical dialogue, blending technical finesse with emotional depth. The recital showcased monsoon ragas rooted in the traditions of the Gwalior and Jaipur gharanas.One of the evening’s highlights was Ramachandran’s ability to evoke the changing moods of the rainy season through her voice. Moving effortlessly between delicate passages and expansive compositions, she created an ambience reminiscent of dark rain clouds and the season’s first showers.The concert also highlighted the contribution of women artistes to the evolution of Hindustani classical music in post-Independence India. Ramachandran’s performance demonstrated how classical traditions can remain deeply rooted while continuing to resonate with contemporary audiences.The recital marked Ramachandran’s first performance in Patna. The audience responded with a standing ovation, and the vocalist expressed her desire to return to the city.Arthshila, a multidisciplinary arts centre in Patna, regularly hosts programmes featuring classical, folk and contemporary art forms, offering audiences opportunities to engage with diverse cultural traditions.
