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We will be bringing to you regular audio updates of events in Canada. After successfully hosting Banga Sammelan in 2008, Canadian Bengalis will be presenting a few stellar events. Keep your calendars marked and watch out this space for the updates.
Toronto Calcutta Foundation Fundraiser (July 5, 2009): The Toronto-Calcutta Foundation (TCF) is a non-profit organization devoted to the well-being of needy people in Kolkata and its surrounding areas. TCF funds, supports and/or manages projects that address local needs related to health, education or employment skills. They are hosting the Canadian premiere of the movie Piyalir Password at Revue Cinema. For tickets contact Niloy Sen at 416-431-3037.
International Bengali Drama Festival (August 1 and 2, 2009): Presented by Sringar, this year’s version promises to be bigger and better with dance, drama and music all under one roof for an entire weekend. “Nat-Ranga”- a drama team from Kolkata brings a highly acclaimed drama on cricket named “Gulbaaj, The Man Of The Match”. Kabir Suman performs in Toronto for the first time! A unique modern classical dance group “Dhwani” from New Delhi will bring a dance performance of the past and the present. Tickets and other information will follow.
Toronto Sanskriti Sangstha Annual Festival (May 17, 2009): The organization has goals to encourage, support and recognize the talented and enthusiastic young people in Canadian community and to donate the surplus from the annual festival to charitable and community-based organizations. The fifth version of this festival had Young Talent Award vocal contest in Bengali, Western and Hindi, local talent showcases of dance, play, songs and opening ceremony. Overseas performers included Sa Re Ga Ma champion 2005 Debojit Saha and the newest Rabindrasangeet maestro from Santiniketan Manoj Murali Nair and Manisha Murali Nair. Report coming soon.
Edmonton Bengali Association Rabindra-Nazrul Sandhya (May 16, 2009): Report on the event by Ranjan Chowdhury: Manoj and Manisha Murali Nair of Shantiniketan performed in Edmonton on 16th May, 2009 at the Rabindra Nazrul Sandhya organized by Edmonton Bengali Association. We are thankful to TSS, Toronto for giving us the opprotunity to host the fantastic brother and sister duo.
Manoj and Manisha have stunned and thrilled the audience with their unique performance. They have taken Rabindrasangeet to a sublime level. Manoj gave us the modern flavor and Manisha represented the unique Shantiniketani style. They have won our hearts and left us thirsty for more. Their songs will be ringing in our ears for a long time. We wish Manoj and Manisha a glorious success. They are the new stars of Rabindrasangeet. To quote Manoj "While every other form of performing art has progressed and moved ahead, why not Rabindrasangeet".
Our Grand Salute to Manoj and Manisha. Please host them in every city of the world and enjoy Rabindrasangeet of a different brand and class from Santiniketan. (Listen to accompanying audio report)
International Festival of Poetry of Resistance (April 26, 2009): Krittibas, Toronto Group invited internationally well-known poets from all over the world for a poetry reading and discussion. Eminent poets from Cuba, USA, Turkey, New Zealand, India and Canada participated. Held at Northwood Community Center, Toronto. (Listen to accompanying audio report).
Report coming soon on Fourth Alberta Bangla Sammelan: Presented by Bangla Sammelan Foundation of Alberta (BSFA), the once-in-two-year event was held during the easter weekend at HYATT Regency Hotel in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. A star-studded performing team presented the rich flavor of Bengal. Runa Laila and Arati Mukherjee took us back to the golden era of folk and adhunik music. Pallab Ghosh and Subhadeb Chatterjee led the young brigade while Nachiketa Chakraborty returned to Canada after last year’s Banga Sammelan. Kumar Bishwajit - the very popular singer from Bangladesh and prodigious Toronto talent Sasha Ghosal were the sought-after voices. Sadi Mohammad, Kakoli Ghosh, Pushpita Mukherjee, Enakshi Das Sinha and Nilanjan Chaudhuri completed the lineup. Event MCs were Rathin Ghose and Marufa Kabir. We will soon be having an event report and pictures.
Interview with Runa Laila and Arati Mukherjee coming soon.
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