SANTHOSH CHANDRAN

DOHA A FUSION concert led by Indian musical maestro Rajhesh Vaidhya held Doha audience spellbound on Friday.

The programme entitled ‘Sopaanam 2012’ was organised by an Indian expatriate association, Samanvayam.

Indian Ambassador to Qatar HE Deepa Gopalan Wadhwa was the chief guest on the occasion.

Vaidhya’s performance on Veena, one of the beautiful string instruments, did not only highlight India’s rich tradition in music but also depicted the power of the instrument in contemporary music.

He captivated the hearts of packed-audience at Doha Cinema with the most popular classical compositions and hits of Hindi and Tamil Indian films as well. While he played the theme music of the Hollywood hit ‘Titanic’, on Veena, the entire audience received it with high ovation.

Vaidhya was accompanied by Mohanraman on mridangam, Chaandrajith on the tabla, N Subramanian on ghatam, Nivas K Prasanna on piano and Tenkasi Paramasivam on kanjira.

Rajesh Vaidya has composed various songs and given many stage performances.

He has performed with world renowned musicians and composers like Sir Elton John.

The programme opened with condolence message and prayer for the victims of the Villagio mall tragedy.

A piece played by Rajhesh Vaidaya as tribute to the children who lost their lives in the inferno made the event memorable.

The fusion concert was followed by Chakyar Koothu, an art performance from Kerala, South India, by Kalamandalam Raman Chakyar.

On the occasion, the forum honoured Indian ambassador who will be leaving Qatar shortly to take up an assignment in Tokyo.

All the artistes who performed on occasion were also honoured at the function.

Other dignitaries at the event included Indian Cultural Center President Tarun Kumar Basu, Galfar Al Misnad company CEO Sathish Pillai and officials of the forum.

Kamala Rajendran and Vidya Anil compered the programme.