Goan voices and their musical legacy lives on

UNFORGETTABLE

Goa's renowned vocalists and their classical music legacy found a pride of place at the Goa Open Arts Festival 2024 that culminated on February 28, 2024.

KISHORI AMONKAR

Kishori Amonkar, a renowned khyal vocalist, with Goan ancestry was recognised for her captivating singing which was also done in the light classical genres, thumri and bhajan. Her mother, noted classical singer, Mogubai Kurdikar, was born in Goa.

JITENDRA ABHISHEKI

This renowned classical vocalist was born in Mangueshi, Ponda. By the 1960s, his enchanting performances solidified his status as a shining star in the realm of Hindustani and Marathi music.

SHRIDHAR PARSEKAR

Shridhar Parsekar, hailing from Parcem, emerged as a prominent Hindustani musician, with a mastery of the violin. During his time with All India Radio (AIR), he had the privilege of performing alongside esteemed classical musicians.

MOGUBAI KURDIKAR

Born in a small village, called Kurdi in the Sanguem taluka, which is now underwater, Mogubai's mother had a dying wish to see her daughter become a renowned singer. Mogubai received numerous awards and was widely recognised as one of India's exceptional vocalists.

DINANATH MANGESHKAR

Born in Mangueshi, Ponda, and named after the deity 'Mangesh', Dinanath Mangeshkar was a talented singer whose voice captivated audiences across various genres, earning him a cherished place in theatres.

KESARBAI KERKAR

Coming from a village, nestled between verdant forests and gurgling streams – Keri in Ponda – Kesarbai Kerkar' s love for music took her on a remarkable musical journey.

SHOBHA GURTU

Born in Belgaum, Karnataka, Bhanumati Shirodkar, later known as Shobha Gurtu, discovered her passion in the heartfelt tunes of thumri, a semi-classical genre originating in Uttar Pradesh.

NEXT: Heritage that defines Goa, celebrates its past