2,750 classical vocalists sing on one platform

PUNE - Over 2,750 Indian classical vocalists - from famed artists like Pandit Rajan and Sajan Misra to Shankar Mahadevan - came together and performed on one stage here, enthralling an audience of more than 200,000 people.

Called ‘Antarnaad’, the unique symphony was organised Tuesday night by Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s Art of Living Foundation to showcase the vast repertoire of Hindustani classical music as well as to provide a platform for the exponents of this ancient Indian art.

“Spirituality and music together can uplift people, get them out of depression and help them start a new life with enthusiasm. For a stress-free life, you have to embrace both these facets (spirituality and music),” Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said in a statement.

The singers - who were seated on a huge 27,000 square feet stage, creating a world record of simultaneous mass singing by trained classical vocalists — sang exquisite compositions based on ancient ragas in the Gandharva Veda like Shree, Purya Dhanashree, Des, Basant Bahar and Chandrakaus among others.

Shankar Mahadevan said: “These days, we hear that Hindustani classical music is on a decline. But looking at this crowd, would you believe this?”

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Chaggan Bhujbal, who was among the host of politicians present at the event, said: “It is a matter of pride for Maharashtra to have this symphony in the cradle of Hindustani classical music. When these people sing together, it sounds like a plea for peace and non-violence.”