Amritotsav: The Beat of My Heart and A Song In My Soul
I was slightly trepidatious as our car approached the MA Centre for Amritotsav, An Evening of Indian Classical music, to see two leading performers, vocalist, Chandra Chakraborty and tabla player, Shahbaz Hussain. I had made a last-minute decision to make the three-plus hour trip from Somerset for this two-hour concert, even though I had little experience or connection with tabla or classic Indian music. Beyond a nice evening, I had resolved to show support, and offer any help I could to welcome guests to our new and, I must say, super quality event/concert venue that is Amrita Hall.
At least two years had passed since I’d stepped foot on the premises, and connected with anyone physically from our London Amma family. Two years of lockdown. Two years of isolation. How would I feel? Would it be the same? Am I the same? Where do I fit in? Do I fit in? The trip held more weight on my psyche than I had realised.
As we pulled into our parking space near the main house, my heart beat a little erratically, and my breathing shallowed. A familiar nervous/excitement arose, a recognisable happy/terror, like climbing on a roller coaster, just before a long drop. Perhaps, more accurately the feeling of walking into an Amma programme. Expect the unexpected…a soul laid bare in front of an all-knowing eye.
As we approached, I immediately recognised familiar faces. Welcoming faces. I quickly relaxed. Felt at ease. Felt at home. HOME. We must never forget that we are so blessed to have MA Centre, as our spiritual home.
How quickly we get into service mode in Amma energy. It felt good to have purposeful, Amma work. It reminded me how much I value and miss the real human connection in service. I was grateful to assist ‘Rohini’ to greet and check tickets as we chatted and reconnected.
And there is always Amma magic. A gorgeous young couple found the concert only the day before. The girlfriend searched the perfect birthday gift for her budding young Tabla mad boyfriend. And then of course, got so much more than expected.
Now to the concert.
Who knew one could listen to an hour of drumming, and never drift. My eyes fixed on fingers that blurred and blended, fluttered, and tapped with tremendous variations in speed and dexterity and pressure. The multitude of rhythms,…the mastery. I could really sense that the space between the beat held just as much relevance as the sound itself. Shahbaz and his drum held my attention with an unswerving gaze. Obviously, an accomplished musician of the highest calibre, Shahbaz disarmed me with a warm and soulful essence, talking to, connecting with his audience. He vocalised the ancient rhythms, mimicking the nuanced pitches, like he, himself was a living drum, as well as educating and engaging. A humble and gracious servant to his art, and to the teachers before him.
Accompanied by Shahbaz, Chandra Chakrobaty, who incidentally has performed for the Queen, at the House of Commons, the Southbank Centre and many other popular venues all over the UK, was an embodiment of grace and poise, and elegance. Her voice was mesmerising, hitting notes that felt transcendental, timeless. At times her tone was so pure, it didn’t feel it was coming from her tiny poised frame. It filled the room…almost like the pitch of a pure crystal bowl…which I think she may be! She spoke eloquently of the meanings of the songs, and had obvious reverence for her art…leaving us with a lasting truth. We don’t take anything with us but the essence of our souls. Hers is truly a beautiful etheric song.
The two artists complemented and accompanied each other, with various supporting students adding an extra depth. They seemed delighted to have the opportunity to perform together in Amma’s sanctified space. I noticed a large window opposite the stage at the back of the hall, which opened onto a larger than life picture of Amma at eye level. It was as if they were performing directly for her, and SHE inspiring, and pulling the very best out of these deeply talented souls.
Both of these tremendous instruments, Chandra and Shahbaz, left me with a satisfaction, like I’d been witness to the very best of their craft. Their music touched me, and I left with a perfectly balanced beating heart, and a rediscovery of the song in my soul. The music, the venue, the new friends, and the old, all brought me back ‘home’.
I look forward to the next instalment of Amritotsav, a series of classical music events at Amrita Hall. Do join next time. You won’t be disappointed!
By Meredith Flanagan
