August 20, 2009

Indian Classical Voices and Royal Albert Hall

Panorama - Royal Albert Hall

The first I heard of Royal Albert Hall was when the Indian nightingale  Lata Mangeshkar was invited to perform there way back in 1974. According to Wikipedia, she was to become the first Indian to perform in there. A best-seller recording of that event also helped make the hall a well known name in India.

Since then I’ve always wanted to see the famed hall and if possible attend a music programme in there. This summer I got this long awaited opportunity in the form of an “Indian Voices” concert being held as a part of the BBC Proms.  I was able to get some tickets for the morning session of this programme which was to feature Hindustani classical Music. For fellow  Indian classical music buffs, the complete recording of this programme can be heard here.

For fellow photography/ travel buffs, here are some chosen pictures

A closer view of the dome of the hall Panorama: The roof of the Hall Panorama - The Royal Albert Hall as seen from inside Classical Music stalwart Pandit Ram Narayan performs with his daughter Aruna (right side in red Saree) The rising star Manjiri Asnare Kelkar - Enthralling the audience with her "Khyal" Pandits Rajan and Sajan Mishra Pandits Rajan and Sajan Mishra - Taking a bow at the standing ovation they received Albert Memorial - Located opposite the Royal Albert Hall

The full set can be viewed here.