A number of young students demonstrated their prowess in the Indian percussion instrument of Tabla in Auckland recently.
Called, ‘Taalam,’ the programme, organised by Puratan Kala Punjab Gharana Tabla Vadan Sikhya Kendra of Hoshiarpur, was held at the Ellerslie War Memorial Hall on February 21.
They were students of Ustad Kulwinder Singh, a founder of the Kendra and a disciple of the legendry Ustad Alla Rakha.
Traditional melody
Rabab Singh, son of Ustad Kulwinder, opened the show with a Tabla solo in Teen Taal and thereafter played traditional compositions of Punjab Gharana, including ‘Harimander Parn.’ He was accompanied by Simranjit Singh on Dilruba playing lehra, and Guljinder Singh on harmonium.
Simranjit performed Indian Classical Vocal in Raag Hamsadhwani. His melodious voice and spectacular compositions hypnotised the audience.
He was accompanied by Auckland’s talented Harmonium player Samir Bhalodhkar.
Gurjit Singh, Onkar Singh, Harmeet Singh and Harjot Singh, young maestros of the Punjab Gharana Institute, performed a Tabla Jugalbandhi in Teen Taal. Simranjit Singh, Dilruba and Guljinder Singh accompanied them on Harmonium.
The concluding performance by Gurjit Singh showed his proficiency in light music in Taal Kehrwa (Eight beats).
Unique performance
Kehrwa Taal is usually played on Tabla for accompaniment. For the first time the Auckland audience heard the Kehrwa solo performance on Tabla.
Mehak Sharma was the Master of Ceremonies.
Rhythm School of Indian Music Directors Manjit Singh and Daljeet Kaur organised the programme. Dr Inderpal Singh, Ranvir Singh Lali, Dr Gregg Booth and Lester Silver presented Certificates of Participation to the students, as seen in the accompanying picture.
