Pune: ‘Kalavardhini’ Presents a Tribute to Swaryogini Dr. Prabha Atre with ‘Swar Nritya Prabha’

Pune, 9th September 2024. ‘Kalavardhini’ is honoured to announce a special performance to pay tribute to the Hindustani Music Maestro Swaryogini Padma Vibhushan Dr. Prabha Atre with ‘Swar Nritya Prabha’. Dr. Sucheta Bhide-Chapekar along with her daughter and disciple Arundhati Patwardhan will present the program on 13th September at Tilak Smarak Mandir, Pune, from 5:30 pm onwards. Shrinivas Joshi, renowned vocalist and son of Bharat Ratna Pt. Bhimsen Joshi will grace the event as the Chief Guest. Entry to the program is free for all on a first come first served basis with a few seats reserved for invitees.

This date marks the first birth anniversary of Dr. Atre, and the performance will be a rejuvenation of “Swar Nritya Prabha,” a poignant choreography by Dr. Sucheta Bhide Chapekar that celebrates Dr. Atre’s remarkable compositions.

‘Swar Nritya Prabha’ is not only a tribute to Dr. Atre’s extraordinary contributions to music but also a celebration of the enduring artistic bond she shared with Dr. Sucheta. The program will feature an ensemble by Dr. Sucheta Bhide-Chapekar, Arundhati Patwardhan, dancers of Kalavardhini Dance Company along with support by Aashay Kulkarni on Tabla, Yashwant Thite on Harmonium, Hrishikesh Badve on vocal, Krishna Salunkhe on Pakhawaj, and Sunil Awachat on Flute.

The evening will commence with a solo Hindustani vocal performance by Viraj Joshi, grandson of the revered Bharat Ratna Pt Bhimsen Joshi. Viraj will honour Dr. Prabha Atre through his art, setting the stage for a memorable celebration.

Dr. Sucheta Bhide Chapekar is a pioneering artist renowned for her creation of ‘NrityaGanga’, a unique synthesis of Bharatanatyam and Hindustani music. Throughout her career, Dr. Sucheta has collaborated with many legendary artists, including Dr. Prabha Atre, whose influence has been instrumental in the development of ‘NrityaGanga’. The artistic bond between Dr. Sucheta and Dr. Atre was deep-rooted, with Dr. Sucheta having choreographed performances based on Dr. Atre’s compositions and presenting them alongside her daughter at the invitation of Dr. Atre.

‘Kalavardhini’ is a charitable trust founded by Dr. Sucheta Bhide-Chapekar dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Indian classical arts, with a focus on the innovative fusion of Bharatanatyam and Hindustani music. It is also committed to preserving and advancing the legacy of ‘NrityaGanga’.