Classical music at Goethe-Institut

To observe the 12th death anniversary of Ustad Abed Hossain Khan, a noted classical music exponent, Ustad Ayet Ali Khan Sangeet Niketan (UAAKSN) arranged a classical music programme and discussion at the Gothe-Institut Bangladesh on May 3. Members of the music institution performed several instrumental presentations at the programme.

Eminent sitar player and celebrated music director of Bangladesh, Ustad Abed Hossain Khan was born in Brahmanbaria in 1929. Eldest son of Ustad Ayet Ali Khan, Ustad Abed was involved with Radio Bangladesh for 36 years. He was a professor at the Music College and had written several research-oriented books on music. Ustad Abed had also mastered the sarod as well. He earned acclaims for his music composition for the film Nodi O Nari directed by Professor Humayun Kabir.

In 1985, he received the Ekushey Padak for his contribution to music. The founding member of UAAKSN, Ustad Abed passed away in 1996.

Commenting on his contribution to our music, poet Zahidul Haque, one of the discussants at the programme said, “The family of Abed Hossain Khan made immense contribution to our music. Maestros like Ustad Alauddin Khan, Ustad Ayet Ali Khan, Ustad Abed Hossain Khan, Ustad Mobarak Hossain Khan and Ustad Shahadat Hossain Khan from this family are all prominent names in our classical music arena.”

Ustad Mobarak Hossain Khan, younger brother of Ustad Abed Hossain Khan and son of Ustad Ayet Ali Khan, presided over the programme. Ustad Mobarak Hossain Khan is the current president of UAAKSN.

Wife of the Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Genevieve Foskett was the chief guest at the programme.

The musical performance started with an orchestration featuring sarod, sitar, violin, tabla and guitar. Artistes of UAAKSN took part in the performance. Ustad Shahadat Hossain Khan directed the orchestration.

This was followed by a solo sitar performance by Reenat Fauzia. Fauzia, daughter of Ustad Mobarak Hossain Khan, performed Raaga Sohini. Sanjib Majumder accompanied her on the tabla.

The next performance was a tabla lahora. The audience applauded enthusiastically after the incredible performance.

The programme wrapped up with a group performance featuring sarod and sitar. Sarod player Ustad Shahadat Hossain Khan along with his twin daughters — Rukhsana Khan on sarod and Afsana Khan on sitar — performed Raaga Desh.

Earlier an audio CD of classical music by Ustad Shahadat Hossain Khan was launched. Torsten Oertel, director of Goethe-Institut launched the CD.

Source: The Daily Star, May 06, 2008