‘Without music, life would be a mistake’ – a saying like this, readers might guess, is expected to come from a musician. But it is a little surprising that the line comes from one of the most cynic
philosophers of all time, Friedrich Nietzsche.
Be it Nietzsche or Bob Dylan or any one else, the saying is not an exaggeration for the hundreds of thousands of people who take recourse to muse in pain and pleasure, in fun and frustration.
Like many other cultural tokens, music also has a day in the Gregorian calendar when musicians and music organisations all over the world celebrate. The day is June 21. The solstice day has been celebrated as World Music Day since 1981, which began in France.
Musicians, music organisations and music lovers of the country do not lag behind to join their comrades in celebrating the day. Like previous years, Bangladesh Sangeet Sangathan Samannay Parishad, the umbrella organisation that unites a number of music organisations, organised a two-day colourful programme at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on Saturday and Sunday to celebrate the World Music Day.
The programme featured rally, discussion, cultural show and award-giving ceremony. On the opening day, a rally, attended by hundreds, walked around the BSA.
Later, an inclusive music show began at the Music and Dance Centre of BSA. The show entertained the audience with presentation of diverse musical genres. In fact, almost all the musical genres extant in the country were presented by singers in chorus and solo.
Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Sangeet, Bhawaiya, Bhatiali, Ghatu, Zari, Palligeeti, Lalongeeti, rock numbers and songs of many folk bards were in the list of presentation. Among the organisations who presented songs at the programme were Surer Dhara, Nazrul Sangeet Shilpi Parishad, Abhyuday, Rabirashmi, Bashuria, Sargam Lalitkala Academy, Rabiraag, Dolonchapa Academy, Geetishatadal, Udichi Shilpigoshthi, Lokangan and many others.
Besides the vibrant music show, two veteran singers were conferred with World Music Day award by the Parishad. The recipients are classical singer pundit Amaresh Roy Chowdhury and playback singer Mohammad Ali Siddiqi.
Both the days of the programme attracted huge number of audience who enjoyed the presence of the country’s famous singers and artistes.
‘The more music is spread across the country, the better society becomes. We hope government will come forward to include music as a mandatory course in school syllabuses, which will get the tender minds into the blissful realm of music’, said Tapan Mahmud, president of Bangladesh Sangeet Sangathan Samannay Parishad.
-With New Age input
