Punekars to witness Vasantotsav between January 20th & 22nd, 2017

·         The three-day music festival will be free and open to all

Pune, January 10: ‘Vasantotsav’, a musical carnival and delight for the ears of music-buffs, will take place between January 20th and 22nd from 5.45pm to 10:00pm at the New English School Ramanbaug Ground, Pune. This is 10th edition of this festival which is organized annually in the memory of renowned Hindustani classical vocalist late Dr. Vasantrao Deshpande, by Dr. Vasantrao Deshpande Pratishthan. Like last year, this Vasantotsav too will be free and open for all the music lovers in the city. This was announced by Rahul Deshpande, the renowned Indian classical singer and the grandson of Dr. Vasantrao Deshpande during a Press Conference held in the city today.

This three-day mega music fest will be supported by Gokhale Constructions as a Title Sponsor, whereas Marathe Jewellers and Vastushodh Projects will be Associate sponsors for the event. The event will be managed by White Copper Entertainment like every year. Vishal Gokhale, MD, Gokhale Constructions, Poonam Gokhale, Director, Gokhale Constructions and Milind Marathe, Director, Marathe Jewellers were also present on this occasion.

Speaking on the occasion Rahul Deshpande said, “This year, Vasantotsav, one of the most sought after music events in the state, is entering in its 10th year and we are thankful to all the connoisseurs of music in the city for their tremendous love and support which we have received since inception. This 3-day music festival will have two exclusive performances on each day like Indian Classical, Natya Sangeet and Fusion”.

Day 1 – Friday, January 20th 5.45pm

Vasantotsav 2017 will begin with a vocal performance by Pt. Venkatesh Kumar. A disciple of Gwalior and Kirana Gharana, Pt. Venkatesh Kumar is renowned for his husky yet vibrant classical singing style and rendition of Haridasi Bhajanas. This will be followed by a stage show of famous musical drama ‘Sangeet Manapman’. Written by noted Marathi playwriter, Late Krishnaji Khadilkar, this play was staged by legends like Balgandharava. Acclaimed for Natyageetas like ‘Chandrika Hee Janu’ the latest version of this Sangeet Nataka stars Rahul Deshpande and Priyanka Barve.

Day 2 – Saturday, January 21st 5.45pm

The second day of the festival will start with a vocal performance of Rekha Bhardwaj. Well known for her distinctive tone, Rekha is one of the noted Indian playback singer. Later a joint performance by India’s leading flutist Pt. Ronu Mujumdar and Vocalist Rahul Deshpande will mesmerize the audience.

Day 3 – Sunday, January 22nd 5.45pm

The final day of this music gala will start with a performance of noted Kirana Gharana vocalist Anand Bhate. Also, known as Anand Gandharva, he is a disciple of Bharat Ratna Pt. Bhimsen Joshi. The last performance of this year’s Vasatotsav will be an interesting fusion session by renowned instrumentalist Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhat and famous rock band ‘Indian Ocean’. This performance will surely enthrall the audience.

Like every year, ‘Vasantotsav Vimarsh’ will be held on January 19th at Raja Ravi Varma art Gallery, Ghole Road, Pune. This will be a one-day workshop by renowned Vocalist Pt. Vijay Koparkar. He will guide the musicians, students and connoisseurs on Riyaz Methods and Raga Elaboration during this workshop. This workshop will be free and open to all. It will be hold in two sessions, first will be organized from 11am to 1pm and second session will be from 2pm to 4pm.

As per the tradition, ‘Vasantrao Deshpande Smruti Sanman’ and ‘Vasantrao Deshpande Udayonmukh Kalakar’ will be awarded to 3 artists in the categories of a senior Guru, a music researcher and a talented young musician. Awarded for recognising and valuing their best work done in the world of music, this year ‘Vasantrao Deshpande Smruti Sanman’ awards which are sponsored by Marathe Jewellers and will be awarded on Sunday, January 22nd.

This year’s ‘Vasantrao Deshpande Smruti Sanman’ will be given to Smt Sulabha Thakar for her contribution in the field of musicology and to renowned Organ player Rajiv Paranjape for his creative contribution in the field of music. The award comprises of a memento and cash prize of Rs.51,000/-. Whereas ‘Vasantrao Deshpande Udayonmukh Kalakar’ instituted by White Copper Entertainment will be given to Shripad Limbekar. The award would be the form of cash prize of Rs.25,000/- and a trophy. 

Speaking on the occasion Poonam Gokhale, said “We are happy to support this music festival once again and look forward to a long term and strong association with Vasantotsav in the years to come.” 

“It’s an honour to be associated with such a big event and contributing in this year’s 9th edition of Vasantotsav. Of late we are witnessing the rising interest of music buffs which is a clear indication that this music fest has gained and maintained its distinctive identity in the city,” said Milind Marathe.

While sharing his opinion, Sachin Kulkarni said, “Our city is considered as Maharashtra’s cultural capital and with ‘Vasantotsav’, a one of its kind vibrant music festival we are trying to cater to all age of music lovers. We are happy to be associated with the musical gala which has so much of variety in its kitty to offer and that too with a stupendous line-up of artists.”

The free passes of ‘Vasantotsav – 2017’ will be made available from January 14th at Balgandharva Rang Mandir and Pandit Farms located in Karve Nagar, 10.00 am onwards. The passes are for two categories mainly chair seating and Indian seating. Please note that each person will be given two passes only on first come first basis. Entry to the festival will be given only against an authorized pass. Acknowledging the large number of senior citizens who attend this festival, Rahul Deshpande has kindly requested the younger generation to opt for Indian Seating passes while keeping the chairs vacate for the senior citizens.