Benaras is one of the oldest living cities in the world with a rich heritage and culture. One can hear its music flowing through its rivers “Ghats “. This programme shall trace back to the rich and age old Benaras Gharana with an assortment of soulful and enchanting renditions, namely Thumri, Kajri, Dadra, Tappa, Chaiti, Hori and Khayal. Revolving around the Purab Ang Gayaki stylization of singing, it is a parampara or tradition of storytelling. The soul elements being a blend of romance, jubilation and finer emotional aspects and also finds a deeper connect with Mother Nature. It also ropes in divinity as the deity Krishna and Radha according to Hindu mythology captures an inbuilt essence of folklore. Tales surrounding the Hindu scriptures also gives this a dynamic and yet unadulterated edge.
Barnali Chattopadhyay, received guidance from the great musicologist Dr.Kumar Prasad Mukhopadhyay (Agra Gharana). Her expertise surfaced as she embraced the flavor of Banaras, while being a disciple of renowned vocalist Vidushi Purnima Chaudhuri(a devoted disciple of Pandit Mahadev Prasad Mishra). She also trained under Thumri queen Shobha Gurtu. She remained under the able guidance of the legendary Thumri Singer Padmavibhushan Girija Devi until her sudden demise. Her soulful voice has been showcased while she has lent her voice with legendary music exponent Dr. M Balmurali Krishna, Vidushi Girija Devi, Vidushi Purnima Chaudhuri , Pt. Jagdish Prasad and many other noted musicians including Bhajan Samrat Anup Jalota .
She is an acclaimed artist of The All India Radio and Doordarshan. Recently she has also worked with ace music director Pt. Bickram Ghosh where in her voice has been used on a play back song called Sawan Ayo Ri for a Bengali movie “Har Har Byomkesh”. Her special album Ghats showcases the fragrance of Benaras. Her recent music single YOGI brings to life the confluence of romanticism and spirituality. She has also been associated with Ravi Shankar’s Maya, an international project brought to surface by Anoushka Shankar and Pt.Bickram Ghosh. Barnali envelopes her gayaki in music through her fineness in Sufi , Thumri and Bhajan staying rooted to the core of traditional music. Her latest playback has been in the famous Bengali film “Asche Abar Shabor “called “Kaise Manaun Shyam “.