Acclaimed Santoor Maestro and Music Composer, Abhay Rustum Sopori has composed a new raga ‘Raga Sharda’ which he performed on Santoor and introduced in the inaugural function of Sharda Festival.

The festival has been conceived by well-known writer Dr. Agnishekhar and presented by RMK Arts and Research Foundation held online.

A handout stated that Maestro Sopori has been instrumental in introducing ‘Cultural Policy’ in J&K and also introducing music as a formal subject in schools and colleges.

He has been honoured with a number of awards for his contribution to music which include the prestigious ‘Mahatma Gandhi Seva Medal’ – Gandhi Global Peace Award by United Nations accredited Gandhi Global Family, 2020, ‘State Icon’ title by Election Commission of India, Jammu & Kashmir, 2016, ‘J&K Government Civil Award’ 2011 etc.

He has also composed and introduced Raga Nirmalkaunce and Raga Maha Kali, which have been widely acclaimed by the music connoisseurs and critics.

Raga Sharda is a new addition to the treasure of Ragas in Indian classical music. Abhay has placed the Raga as an evening raga in Purvi Thaat with Shadav-Shadav combination of notes.

He commenced his recital with an introduction to the raga and then performed a brief Aalap in the ‘Sopori Baaj, the style of Music Legend Pandit Bhajan Sopori with Meend, Glides, Gamak etc and a composition in Teentaal.

Abhay also presented his self composed Bandish in this raga “Hey Sharda Ma Namastutey, Kashmirpur Vasini, Shatatantri Veena Vadini”. The raga was enjoyed by thousands of viewers online.

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Courtesy: Daily Excelsiour: 10th September 2020