"King of Strings" - Pandit Bhajan Sopori awarded Sangeet Bhushan Samman 2010
Music Legend Pandit Bhajan Sopori, hailed as the "King of Strings" and the "Saint of Santoor" awarded 'Sangeet Bhushan Samman 2010' for his enormous contribution to Indian classical music.
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Music Legend Pandit Bhajan Sopori receiving the Sangeet Bhushan Samman 2010
Santoor Maestro & Composer Abhay Rustum Sopori presenting Santoor recital at the function
-- Music Legend Pandit Bhajan Sopori was awarded the 'Sangeet Bhushan Samman 2010' for his enormous contribution to Indian classical music at New Delhi in a glittering function held at Kamani Auditorium on 25th February 2010. The award was presented at the Annual music conference of Ustad Ashique Ali Khan Music Society. On this occasion Ustad Faiyaz Khan was honoured with the Taal Samrat Samman. The felicitation ceremony was attended by various dignitaries and art lovers including a galaxy of stalwarts of Indian music.Hailed as the "Saint of the Santoor" and the "King of Strings", the legendary Santoor maestro and music composer Pandit Bhajan Sopori is regarded as the cultural bridge of Jammu & Kashmir and the rest of the country. The performer and composer par excellence, musicologist, teacher, writer, poet, and an extraordinary human being - Pandit Sopori is a complete institution in himself. He has led the revival of Sufism to spread the message of humanism amongst the masses. Having composed over 5000 songs, his compositions and recitals bear the distinctive stamp of his virtuosity and erudition. He has used his Santoor and his compositions to highlight the concept of oneness and foster unity enshrining the idea of national integration, humanism and peace amongst the common man and the youth in particular for which he has been honoured with various National and International awards and decorations which include the prestigious Padma Shri, Sangeet Natak Academy Award, J&K State Award, National Flag Honour of the Arab Republic of Egypt, etc.
The music conference featured Santoor recital by eminent Santoor maestro Abhay Rustum Sopori and Vocal recital by Pt. Madhup Mudgal. Abhay, presenting Raga Champakali, began his recital with Aalap - Jod, followed by Vilambit Gat in Rudra Taal (11 beat cycle), Bandish 'Ek Pal Na Lage Jiya Mora' and Sufiana Tarana 'Ta Nom Tadare', concluded his recital with a faster composition in Teentaal. He was accompanied on Tabla by Shri Mithilesh Jha. Abhay's presentation marked high technical virtuosity demonstrating various stylistic nuances like Meend, Glides, Gamak, Taan, Laya and Chandh patterns, etc. The striking point of Abhay's performance is his unique style of singing and playing together. His lightning tempo and speedy Taan patterns had an electrifying effect on the audience. The Ladant in Rudra Taal and Sawal Jawab patterns in Teentaal held the audience spellbound. Pt. Mudgal presented Raga Bhageshri. the evening started with a Shehnai recital by Lokesh Anand. The Ustad Ashique Ali Khan Music Society was founded in 2000, a year after the death of renowned Sarangi maestro by his family.
