Experimentation with Indian Classical Music can attract more youth: Mahesh Kale

Pune, January 23, 2020: “Indian classical music is thought to be reserved only for a specific group of people, but If you want the younger generation to take interest in classical music, then we’ll have to experiment with it and present it in a new way. The melody is so deep-rooted in Indian classical music that it can captivate anyone,” said national award-winning vocalist, Mahesh Kale while speaking at a press conference on Thursday, February 23, 2020 held at Patrakar Bhavan, Pune.

Kale who’s striving to reach to a new generation of classical music will present a new concept of ‘Infusion’, which is based on the musical expedition of Indian classical music with a right mix of evolving trend of western music to appeal the audience. Called ‘Infusion: Mahesh Kale Live in Concert- Taking Classical Beyond’ the concert will be held at NCPA in Mumbai and at Ganesh Kala Krida Ranga Manch, Swargate, Pune on February 1 and 2, respectively.

“I can play many forms of music but as a student and artist of Indian classical music I want to further its cause. I have delivered lectures and have collaborated with world musicians in an effort to reach to an audience who would never try Indian classical music. If you compare other concurrent arts, Indian Classical Music is like Sanskrit language for the youth. I want to demystify and decipher that language in a simple spoken dialect, and I think ‘infusion’ is a way to do it. My music will have an appearance of popular movie songs but somewhere it will morph in other rhythmic pieces,” Kale added.

Kale said that since it is important to maintain the curiosity of the younger generation while meeting the expectations of the adult generation, he will introduce an elaborate ensemble of musical instruments which will include Pakahwaj, Tabla, Violin, Flute, Keyboard, Guitar, Drum and even Dholkis.

“’Infusion’ is all about meticulous, clean tightness of light sangeet married to the spontaneity of classic music. I want to retain the previous audience and want the new audience to get entirely involved in it. The core of the program will be Indian classical music but it will be introduced to the youngsters in a way that will fascinate them,” he added.

Kale said that during an event organized at Gateway of India in Mumbai to pay tribute to the martyrs of the 26/11 attacks he presented a blend of abhang, a composition and a Bollywood song called ‘Raag Des’, which was liked by many.