Hyderabad has been delighting in the notes from the sixth season of In Continuum, the classical music concert organised by the Bararia family of the city. Gracing the event is none other than the Hindustani classical vocalist Gauri Pathare. A name to reckon with in the present generation of Indian classical musicians. The artiste spoke to us about what music brings her and her little connection with the city.
The chosen one
Gauri’s connection with Hyderabad dates back to her childhood, when she frequented the city during her summer holidays to visit her aunt Sumati Rajurkar, who was well-known in the field of painting.
Music came to her by way of her parents, who were doctors. “They would attend many concerts, and I would accompany them soon discovering interest in the music,” she explains. Soon, young Gauri began learning music from many gurus including Gangadharbuwa Pimpalkhare, Sri Jitendra Abhisheki, Padma Talwalkar and Arun Dravid.
Despite her passion for music, Gauri never thought of music as a profession. In fact, she graduated in computer science (which she credits her analytical approach to music with). Then marriage happened, and Gauri found the responsibilities of a joint family demanding even more time of her life. “I was in a family of about 15 members and my responsibilities there was my priority, although I continued with my music. Over the years I have come to understand that music chooses you,” she says.
At In Continuum, Gauri started her morning concert with the composition Jago Mohana Pyare, in raga bhairav, literally awakening the elite audience of Hyderabad, taking them on a journey of soft, soothing music.
But this is not the first time Gauri has performed in the city. She had performed here many years ago on the invitation of Sri N.K. Karade. The vocalist has also performed around the country as well as the world. How different have her experiences been abroad? “People worldwide show keen interest in Indian classical music.
Also, abroad, the programmes are well planned and documented in terms of all the technical requirements and the timelines. I hope the same professionalism comes into operation in all the programs that are conducted in India,” says Gauri, signing off.
