2750 classical vocalists enthrall a live audience of over 2 lakhs
Bangalore: Art of Living hosted a historic symphony - Antarnaad - in Pune today, bringing over 2750 Indian classical vocalists together on one platform, to write a new chapter in the history of music.Conceived by His Holiness Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, spiritual and humanitarian leader and Founder, Art of Living, the aim of Antarnaad was to showcase the vast repertoire of Hindustani classical music as well as to provide a platform for the exponents of this ancient Indian art.
Stating that classical music and spirituality are among the most definitive and unique offerings India can make to the world, His Holiness Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said,“Spirituality and music together can uplift people, get them out of depression and help them start a new life with enthusiasm. For a stress-free life, you have to embrace both these facets (spirituality and music).”
Musicians from across the country, celebrity singers like Shankar Mahadevan and renowned names like Pt Rajan & Sajan Misra were also part of this event.Shankar Mahadevan said,“These days, we hear that Hindustani Classical music is on a decline. But looking at this crowd, would you believe this?”Dy CM of Maharashtra, Shri Chaggan Bhujbal said,“It is a matter of pride for Maharashtra to have this symphony in the cradle of Hindustani classical music. When these people sing together, it sounds like a plaintive plea for peace and non-violence.”
Singing exquisite compositions, based on ancient ragas in the Gandharva Veda, namely, Shree, Purya Dhanashree, Des, Basant Bahar, Chandrakaus, Shankara, Kalavati, Janasammohini and Bhoop, the singers enthralled a live audience of over 2 lakh people.Present at the event, were numerous dignatories, politicians, celebrities, businessmen and corporate heads including Shri Chaggan Bhujbal, Dy CM Maharashtra, Shri Gopinath Munde, Dy Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Shri Narayan Rane, Revenue Minister Maharashtra, Shri R R Patil Home minister, Maharashtra, among others.
Antarnaad is the grandest in the Art of Living tradition of showcasing ancient Indian arts on one platform. The Art of Living had earlier entered the Guinness Book of World Records with 1200 Mohiniattam dancers performing together on one stage in Kerala in 2006 and for its historic sitar concert titled Brahmnaad in New Delhi in Nov 2008, which brought together over 1000 sitar exponents, in aid of the Bihar Relief and rehabilitation.
