Goa has long been a hub for social events, parties and numerous musical festivals, but did you know that Goa has another side, too – a classical one? It does, and the weekend has something for those who love classical music at ITC Grand Goa Resort and Spa, South Goa, on August 30 and 31.
You can be sure that once there, you will be transported to a world of immersive musical experiences. Imagine a weekend of intimate settings, world-class performances of soulful solos and scintillating duets and unforgettable moments that will leave you spellbound.
Organised by Showhouse, the unique festival, titled 'Malhar & The Sea', showcases India's rich musical heritage, featuring a star-studded line-up of artistes such as Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Kaushiki Chakraborty, Shujaat Husain Khan and Rakesh Chaurasia, Shivam Bhardwaj among others.
The festival features a carefully curated line-up of icons of Indian music, including Padma Vibhshan Ustad Amjad Ali Khan’s music flowing into the brushes of the world-renowned artist Paresh Maity to paint a large canvas.
The festival features a carefully curated line-up of icons of Indian music, including Padma Vibhshan Ustad Amjad Ali Khan’s music flowing into the brushes of the world-renowned artist Paresh Maity to paint a large canvas.
Born and raised in Kolkata, the organiser of the event, Omer Haidar, has spent over 40 years curating music IPs and creating festivals at iconic locations like Victoria Memorial, and has always been passionate about bringing art and music to life in extraordinary settings.
He says, “The monsoon led us to make Goa our home during the COVID-19 lockdown, and I was inspired by the beauty and tranquillity of the season. This inspiration led me to create Malhar & the Sea, a luxurious, one-of-a-kind festival that blends the essence of Indian Raag Malhar with the serene backdrop of the Goan coastline.”
Omer adds, “It’s a unique residential festival where 13 prominent artists come together to perform in a setting that truly captures the magic of Goa during the monsoons.”
At the event, Kaushiki Chakraborty – a renowned Indian classical vocalist of the Patiala gharana – will be in a duet with Purbayan Chatterjee on sitar. Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash will perform Songs of the River and their rendition of Indian folk music from the Himalayas to the seas.
Sufi qawwal Shivam Bhardwaj; King of Rock, Gary Lawyer; Queen of Pop from the UK, Kaiya Maxfield; and Goa’s fado singer, Nadia Rebelo, will add a whole new perspective to the festival.
In addition to music, Paresh Maity’s latest painting will be auctioned and the proceeds donated to the National Association for the Blind, Goa.
For more details about the 'Malhar & The Sea' festival as well as bookings, check out https://www.malharandthesea.in/