Rashtriya Tansen Samman was conferred upon tabla virtuoso Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri
The Tansen Sangeet Samaroh, held annually in Gwalior, one of India’s most revered music festivals, celebrating the legacy of the legendary Hindustani classical musician Tansen this year marked its 100th anniversary. Organised by the Madhya Pradesh government’s Culture Department, the festival is a confluence of India’s finest classical artists who gather to pay homage to Tansen’s enduring contributions to Indian music. The five-day even held from Dec. 15 to 19th, unfolded with an even greater sense of grandeur and reverence at the Tansen Tomb, a UNESCO-recognised heritage site.
The five-day festival, steeped in tradition, featured magnetic performances from vocalists, instrumentalists, and percussionists across the country and beyond. Each day unfolded with a seamless blend of classical renditions, from sitar recitals to soulful khayal performances. On the fourth day, the Rashtriya Tansen Samman, the festival’s highest honour, was presented, to Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri, the illustrious tabla maestro from Kolkata. Instituted in Tansen’s name, in 1980, this award recognises exceptional contributions to Indian classical music, carrying a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakh and a citation plaque.
The event also saw the Raja Mansingh Tomar Samman being awarded to Indore’s Sanand Nyas Sanstha, an organisation devoted to promoting classical music and cultural activities for over 35 years. The felicitation ceremony was graced by eminent personalities, including Gwalior Collector Ruchika Chauhan and Professor Smita Sahastrabuddhe, Vice-Chancellor of Raja Mansingh Tomar Music and Arts University.
Swapan Chaudhuri: A maestro beyond borders
Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri’s recognition at the Tansen Samaroh underscores his extraordinary journey in Indian classical music. A Padma Shri awardee and two-time Grammy nominee, Chaudhuri is celebrated globally for his virtuosity on the tabla. Over decades, he has not only upheld the purity of traditional tabla playing but also expanded its horizons through collaborations and compositions that transcend genres.
Born in Kolkata, Chaudhuri was trained in the Farukhabad gharana and quickly rose to prominence for his impeccable technique and emotive playing style. His performances have graced prestigious stages worldwide, including international music festivals in Sydney, Berlin, and Tokyo. As a composer, he has crafted intricate scores for tabla ensembles and world percussion groups, blending Indian rhythms with global influences. His works include collaborations with artists like Stevie Wonder and Persian maestro Kayhan Kalhor, as well as compositions for contemporary ensembles such as the Toronto Tabla Ensemble and Hands On’semble.
In addition to his illustrious performance career, Chaudhuri has dedicated himself to teaching and mentoring the next generation of musicians. Since 1981, he has served as the Director of Percussion at the Ali Akbar College of Music in California and Switzerland, training students from around the world in the nuances of tabla playing. His contributions to music education have made him a respected figure in both Indian and Western musical circles.
Tansen Samaroh: A celebration of legacy
At the Tansen Samaroh, Chaudhuri’s tabla recital was a highlight, leaving the audience spellbound with its perfect mix of technical brilliance and nuanced aesthetics. Dedicating his performance to his late guru, he expressed gratitude for receiving the Tansen Samman, calling it “a crowning honour” in his illustrious career.
The Tansen Sangeet Samaroh’s centenary year featured more than 100 stalwarts and emerging talents, including vocalists Shubha Mudgal, Nagaraj Rao Havaldar, Arati Ankalikar , Prem Kumar Mallik, Meeta pandit, Ritwik Sanyal, violinists Mahesh Malik Santoorist Rahul Sharma Ghatom artist Sukanya Ramgopal flautist Ronu Majumdar and Sarodist Aamir Khan.
