#SawaiMahotsav- Veterans, New Artists To Perform, GST Raises Ticket Rates

For the first time in 12 years, the season price of the Indian seating ticket for Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav has seen an increase. “Last year due to demonetisation, it was Rs 300 but the price is usually Rs 350.

This year, with the introduction of 28 per cent GST on Indian classical concert tickets, the price is Rs 500 inclusive of tax,” said Shrinivas Joshi, Executive President, Arya Sangeet Prasarak Mandal, while addressing the media.

He spoke about this year’s artist line-up that includes nine new musicians as well as renowned names and veterans like Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Dr Prabha Atre, Pandit Rajan and Sajan Mishra, Aarti Ankalikar-Tikekar, Pandit Jasraj, Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar, Pandit Bhajan Sopori, Pandit Upendra Bhat, Padma Talwalkar, Pandit Rajan Kulkarni and sitar player Ustad Shujaat Khan.

Artists who will be performing at the Sawai Gadharva Bhimsen Mahotsav 2017

The classical musicians performing for the first time at the festival are vocalist Dr Vijay Rajput, Pandit Debashish Bhattacharya, who will be playing the Chaturangi (slide guitar), sitar player Kushal Das, vocalist Tushar Datta, santoor player Abhay Rustum Sopori, Kathak danseuse Prachee Shah, vocalist Gayatri Joshi and sarod player Sarang Kulkarni.

The first performace of the festival will be given by shehnai player Madhukar Dhumal. This will be followed by Dr Vijay Rajput’s recital who is also a former student of late Pandit Bhimsen Joshi. Later, Pandit Debashish Bhattacharya will be performing the Chaturangi followed by Pandit Rajan and Sajan Mishra. The day will end with a performance by veteran flautist Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia.

The festival will go on for five days from December 13 to 17. On the first and fourth day, the event will take place from 3 pm to 10 pm. While on the second and third day, it will start from 4 pm continuing till 10 pm. On the last day, it will begin from 11:45 pm till 10 pm.

The season ticket for the chair seating is priced at Rs 3000 and Rs 4000 respectively. The tickets will be made available online from the first of December.

Vijayta Lalwani