Heartfelt Bengali Performance
The Bengali Association of Greater Atlanta (BAGA) organized a concert by an eminent exponent of Rabindra sangeet, Rezwana Chowdhury Bannya, at the Shamrock Middle School on July 31.
Bannya, one of the most renowned disciples of Kanika Bandyopadhyay (Mohordi), represents the cultural heritage of Shantiniketan. Bannya has fond memories of the time she spent with Mohordi in London.
Bannya was accompanied by Mr. Prasun Pani Bhattacharya on the tabla and Dr. Raktim Sen on the keyboard. She introduced her Atlanta-based student Sharmeen Omar Ahmed (Rinta). The teacher-student duo sang the first song of the evening, Bohey nirontoro anando dhara and went on for Fuley fuley dholey dholey. Bannya's solo performance included mesmerizing renditions of Amaar hiyaar majhey lukiye chhiley and Amarey tumi ashesh korechho. Her repertoire also included songs of Rajonikanto, like Jagao pothik and Eka mor gaaner tori that were well received by the audience. Songs from Bhanushingher Podaboli were a pleasant surprise. The program ended with the song Gram chhara oyee ranga matir por, which made the listeners nostalgic, especially when Bannya requested the audience to accompany her. Her performance was earnest and profound.
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