Raaga-Rang: An aesthetic journey into the heart of Melody

Raaga-Rang, a unique musical event will take place on Sunday, April 6 @ 4:00 pm, at National Heritage Museum, Lexington, MA. In an exclusive interview Shekhar Shastri, the producer of Raaga-Rang introduces this years's program to our audiences. 

Q) What is Raaga Rang?
Raaga-Rang is a journey that bridges the distance between classical music and film songs, while exploring and communicating the profound classicism inherent in film music.

Q) Why Raaga?
Raaga is a unique concept that captures the essence of melody. In any musical rendition, it is the melody that touches the listener – it doesn’t matter if it is classical, folk, or popular.

Q) Classical music & Bollywood film songs:  Do they go together?
Classical Raaga is the foundation of, and connects all Indian music. The earlier composers of film music strived to make classical music a part of their compositions, trying to reach out to the masses. For legends like KL Saigal, Naushad, Mohd. Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar, this connection was natural and beautiful. In our concert, you will see this connection carried over to many modern compositions. You will then get to decide if the two go together.

Q) Shekhar, tell us a little about your musical journey.
My training is in Hindustani classical music and I have also been singing popular melodies from films since I was a child. For several years, I had been incubating this idea of blending technical prowess while melodiously touching people's hearts – and Raaga-Rang is the result.

Q) Raaga-Rang, what does it mean to you?
Classical proficiency finds fulfillment when it is aesthetically delivered to the masses. Kashmiri philosopher Abhinavagupta (11^th Cent.) said that, the task of the artist is to simply launch the audience into an aesthetic journey – the traveling will have to be done by the listener.Raaga-Rang is the inspirational spark to invoke the love in our listeners’ hearts – the secret is already in there.

Q) Can you measure the beauty of a song?
Once I asked a very famous classical musician as to what his favorite composition was, he quickly responded, "Mohd. Rafi songs from Baiju Bawara and Lata songs from Anpadh".  I asked why, and he further elaborated that, "classical music when imbued with thoughtful lyrics and soulful singing becomes the ultimate benchmark of any composition."

Q) What can we expect on April 6?
The Raaga-Rang team consists of melodious singers, music teachers and fabulous instrumental musicians. However, the listener is the center of our attention, they are the true stars; it is in their listening that the artists perform. We will develop this partnership further on April 6 through a well-designed program that is intended to launch streams of melodies into people’s hearts that continue to brighten up their days long after the concert.

Here is what some of Raaga-Rang musicians have to say!

“I am privileged and excited to be part of this year's Raaga Rang extravaganza. It is a wonderful and unique idea to showcase popular Bollywood songs along with the classical raagas that they are based on. This show truly exemplifies the richness of classical Indian music - both Hindustani and Carnatic -  and its effects on Bollywood. Looking forward to performing with a star lineup of singers and instrumentalists!”  ~ Hiral Parikh

“Feel very happy to be part of Raaga-Rang team. I feel these days the liking for classical music has reduced, Raaga-Rang genuinely makes an effortto create a liking and showcase the greatness of classical music and makes it fun and enjoyable experience for all.” ~ Uma Sankar

“Raaga Rang is a joyful experience and a fun learning community.  A great journey and lovely event.– being schooled in aspects of Indian Classical Music in a thoroughly enjoyable way – singing songs that you love with a REAL talented and caring team and making up a program to share our joy with others at the event.” ~ Vijay Kumar

When & Where?
Sunday, April 6 @ 4:00 pm, at National Heritage Museum, Lexington, MA 
Time: 4:00 pm

Get Raaga-Rang Tickets at Lokvani.com 
Send email to raagarangboston@gmail.com
Website: http://imeru.net

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