The First Manch Pravesh or debut vocal recital presented by Raganjali School of Music, of Roshun Alur, shishya of Guru Swati Panda was held on 8 Aug 09, at the Oak Middle School Auditorium in Shrewsbury. The audience of over 175 was treated to 2 1/2 hours of truly upliftingly melodious and soulful music. Roshun has been schooled in the Guru Shishya Parampara by Guru Swati Panda over a period of 7 years. He used an elegant repertoire of ragas including Jog, Sur Malhar, Durga, Bhupali, Jaijaiwanti, Bageshree, Tilak Kamood, Purya Kalyan, Mishra Pilu and Bhajans in masterfully blending sur, laya and bhava. The audience was captivated and spell bound.

Roshun’s performance included Vilambith Khayal in Jog, Puriya Kalyan and Sur Malhar. He demonstrated exceptional vistuosity in taal and sur by seamleesly transitioning into 6 different Ragas in six different talas in his medley piece. His fluidity of voice was apparent in his semi classical pieces. His Tappa showed his mastery of taan delivery in odd, fast patterns. Overall Roshun showed tremendous poise and control thoughout his recital. He was at ease with sur and taal and it seemed like he had dissolved in his music. 

Roshun's stage presence, with accomplished professional accompanists, Harshal Tole, his Tabla guru on tabla and Chiristopher Periji on Harmonium demonstrated that he too was enjoying the music. His mother Asha provided the Tanpura support reflecting her backing up of Roshun in more ways than one.

Each and every family member of Roshun, 24 in all, coming from India, San Jose, Chicago, Cincnnati, Atlanta, New York, New Jersey, professionally managed each and every element of the Event, like Stage decoration by Rekha & Veena, Lobby decoration by Suman & Bala, dining Hall by Shekar & Krishna, Catering management by Janaky & Aparna, Reception by Geeta & Anita, Ushering by & Meenakshisundaram & Arti, Sound system by Raju, Master of ceremonies by Aruna, Video coeverage by Aparajit & Amarnath, Still photography by Giri & Arti, distribution of goody bags containing among other things " Forget me not flower seeds", by Janaky and Vijaya to make every guest attending the event to enjoy the ambience, good music followed by good dinner. In addition, some of the Raganjali students and friends of Asha including Naseem, Shelly, Sapna and courteous & professional cooperation extended by Al ( custodian) & Greg ( AV Technician) of the Oak Middle School contributed in no small measure to the successful conduct of the event.

Roshun and Raj produced a video "Introduction to Hindusthani Music by Swati-ji" before the start of the concert. The video was informative and educational to the wide audience and was well recieved. A vocal illustration by Roshun of the aroha and avaroha of various thaats added luster to the presentation. A slide show prepared by Giridhar & Raghupathy on " Roshun's Journey in Music", highlighted his musical family, his musical interest spanning many instruments including Piano, Guitar, Saxophone, Tabla and Harmoinum and his devotion to his Guru Swatiji.

With this background, let us look at the impressions of the guests communicated through e mails and Guest books:

" Asha...I really had a great time being part of Roshun's Manch Pravesh. I did really enjoy a lot, making music with Roshun and Harshal. Roshun's performance made me very happy. I am proud of the fact that you, Raj, Swati, and the rest of your family have done a great job in shaping his talent. Even at such young age, he is already preserving and keeping alive, a beautiful tradition. Congratulations to all of you! You are a wonderful example to all Indian families - your love, sacrifice, hardwork, and exemplary lifestyle endear yourselves to us very much. Raj has enjoyed getting to know the rest of your family. She tells me that everyone in your family sings beautifully, and continuing to learn music! (Christopher Periji, who provided harmonium accompaniment)

" It was a marvellous experience to hear Roshan last night. His ease with melody, laya and bhaav, as well as his stage presence, especially at such a young age, is something that one had to see and hear to believe. Congratulations to his parents and his guru for being able to foster this devotion and provide the guidance, to guide his talents into such a finish.It will be remiss of me, if I did not mention his accompanists, and the total ambience of the event. in one word, it was amazing!" (Dipankar Deshmukh)

"Roshun....I would like to congratulate you and Swatiji and your parents for your outstanding performance. We are proud of your dedication, your gift of music and your excellent reproduction of the classical music. You are a great student and an excellent performer. (Raju Parulkar)

" Roshun, you displayed remarkable virtuosity and vocal skill and impressive stage presence. I enjoyed every minute of your performance " . (Johannah)

" Roshun has a great future in classical music" .(Bhaskar & Asha Patil)

" Roshun.. Your voice is mesmerising ! Keep up the hard work and dedication and you'll go very far ". (Kavita)

" You have a tremendous talent for music and a very melodious voice. This is a great milestone wih many more to come ". (Neeta, Sandeep , Krina and Bijoy)

" It is such a wonderful performance. Still it is ringing in my ear". (Ashish- Asti & Family)

" You are awesome". (Ritu, Ajay, Rohan and Pranav; Pradip & Sunita; Mimisha; Athalye Family)

" We hope to listen to your superb music for many more times in future.....Your parents have made a great accomplishment and set forth an ideal for all of us" . (Anil Kunte)

" A beautiful evening , fragrant and uplifting music". (Sapna)

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