By Vandana Jhingan
Naperville’s Yellowbox Theater recently hosted a mesmerizing concert featuring a stunning blend of Western and Indian instruments performed by renowned maestros. The electrifying saxophone of George Brooks, the scintillating sitar of Krishna Mohan Bhatt, the ever-popular guitar of Fareed Haque, and the divine Indian bamboo bansuri flute of Chethan Anant created an unforgettable evening. They were expertly accompanied by the dynamic tabla duo, Raj Deshmukh and Arun Sabapathy.
This concert marked the miraculous comeback of Krishna Mohan Bhatt after a nearly fatal accident that led to a five-month hospital stay and multiple surgeries. His return to the stage was a testament to resilience and the transformative power of music.
The philosopher Plato once said, “Music gives flight to the soul and imagination to the mind,” and this concert embodied that sentiment. Music, as the universal language, transcends faith and brings humanity into perfect harmony.
The second half of the concert featured the faculty and students of the “Sadhana School of Music,” and it was equally enthralling. Masterminded by the school’s artistic director, Nirmita Ashok Dholakia, the performance showcased a picturesque “Raagamalika” of Taranas in various Raagas. The segment began with a divine invocation to Lord Ganesha, followed by a classically based Bhajan in Raag Bhupali, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Led by their guru, Nirmitaji, and accompanied by the school’s most talented students, the performance transported the appreciative audience to a realm of divinity.
The concert continued with captivating film songs, including “Mere Dholana” in Raag Malgunji by Khushi Jain and “Kuhu Kuhu” featuring four Raagas—Sohini, Bahar, Jaunpuri, and Yaman—sung by Vidhi Patel. The students then performed in Raaga Chhayanat, Bahar, and Malkauns. The maestros joined this stunning performance, culminating in the most melodious Raaga Bhairavi.
This concert highlighted the importance of nurturing children’s innate talents through proper training in the arts, allowing them to shine like the sun and delight like the moon. This is the best way to keep our traditions alive through the ages.
Additionally, the concert supported two very worthy causes:
“Smiles” – Limb Replacement Center – India: Providing prosthetic limbs to those in need, helping them regain mobility and independence.
“Omkara” – Chinmaya Mission NWIndiana: Teaching children and adults about scriptures, traditions, and the philosophy of universal love, encapsulated in the phrase “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah” (May all be happy).
These causes underline the concert’s mission to blend artistic excellence with meaningful contributions to society.
