Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy hosted a special musical and dance programme celebrating the classical beauty of Kazi Nazrul Islam’s raga-based compositions at its National Music and Dance Centre auditorium on Sunday.
Titled Benuka: Rage, Sure, Shrutir Nibirataye Kazi Nazrul Islam, the programme was organised under the patronage of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs to showcase Nazrul’s creative legacy to a younger generation.
Speaking as chief guest, Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury said, “We want to give culture the highest dignity and unite our diverse identities through it. Through this, our goal is to present the identity of our country, nation and people to the world.”
In his welcome address, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Director General Rezauddin Stalin said Nazrul’s compositions continue to resonate decades after they were created.
“There is no other composer like Nazrul. The timeless works he wrote and composed himself continue to resonate even after a century. Nazrul remains one of the most important sources of inspiration in our national life and struggles,” he said.
Stalin also announced plans for a special programme featuring 100 flautists performing Nazrul’s songs and compositions.
The musical segment opened with Priyanka Ghosh performing Esho Shankar Krodhagni.
Other performers included Nadia Arefin Shawon, Munni Kader, Alok Kumar Sen, Shahid Kabir Palash, Yakub Ali Khan, Dr Nasid Kamal, Fatema Tuz Zohra, Monalin Azad, Yasmin Mushtari, Nahid Momen, Bijon Mistry and Mridula Samaddar.
The programme also featured a series of dance performances celebrating Nazrul’s compositions.
Katthakiya: The Center of Arts, under the direction of S M Hasan Ishtiaq Imran, presented the ensemble piece Payela Bole Rinjhini.
Bangladesh Academy of Fine Arts, directed by Farhana Chowdhury Baby, performed Bon-Kuntal Elaye, while Munmun Ahmed presented a solo dance.
The programme concluded with Rim Jhim Rim Jhim Jhim Ghan Deya Barashe, performed by dancers of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy under the direction of Zahidul Islam Sani.
