A musical evening
with the most admired and talented Classical Artist,
Ustad Iqbal Ahmed Khan
Lake Forest, (LA), California,
S. Dabgotra
On August 23rd, 2009, So cal's popular vocalist and established
voice trainer Dipali Singh, hosted an intimate baithak for her Guru
Ustad Iqbal Ahmed Khan, the Khalifa of the Delhi Gharana of Music
at her Orange County residence. The evening was a rare feast for
over a hundred music lovers who were treated to the centuries old,
musical traditions of Hazrat Amir Khusro in the voice of Doyen of
the Gharana itself.
Delhi Gharana is one of the oldest traditional gharanas of Hindustani
classical music and has produced musicians who have gained immense
respect and acclaim in both vocal & Instrumental music. The
Delhi Gharana was founded b y Hazrat Amir Khusro and is known for
it's pleasing vistaar (elaboration) and exquisite compositions.
Ustad Iqbal Ahmed Khan is well known for his versatility and his
vocal expression has been described by International media as solid,
substantial, graceful and supple. His renditions have been described
as uniquely powerful and delicate at the same time. Young Iqbal
was adopted and groomed by his maternal grand father Sangeet Martand
Ustad Chand Khan Sahib and his paternal grandfather Ustad Jahan
Khan and grand uncle Ustad Usman Khan. With this grounding he also
had the privilege of learning from his uncles Ustad Hilal Ahmed
Khan, Ustad Naseer Ahmed Khan, Ustad Zafar Ahmed Khan & his
father Ustad Zahoor Ahmed Khan. He has since then received much
acclaim worldwide and been awarded numerous awards Internationally.
The mellifluous voice of Ustad Iqbal Ahmed Khan mesmerized the
audience with musical renditions from classical khayals, Dadra,
Thumri to ghazals for over 3 hours. He was accompanied on the tabla
by accomplished Tabla Nawaz Rahis Khan and on the harmonium by the
very well known Dr. Gopal Marathe. Both excelled and lifted the
evening with their experienced and knowledgeable accompaniment.
When Ustad Ji started the first Gazal “G hazab Kiya Tere
Vadeh pe Etbaar Kiya” every one started clapping and would
not stop. Then he recited “Tum Ko Jab Yaad Kiya Main Ne, Pehle
Se Dil Thaam Liya Meain Ne”. Third Gazal “Luttfe Aaghaz
Mila Lazzte Injam Ke Baad” and so on. Every one enjoyed so
much that they kept on repeating once more once more. It was once
in a life time experience to listen to such a great artist.
Copies of Ustad ji's live recordings were gifted by Dipali to the
audience. Refreshments and an extravagant spread of delicious home
cooked dinner for all attendees added a warm and personal touch
to the entire evening. This wonderful evening was organized by Dipali
& Manraj Singh, Prashant and Prerna Kulkarni, Kishor Katti &
Harmala Uberai. Sound was provided by Surya Foundation.
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