The cultural heart of Bengaluru is set to pulsate to the classical rhythms of Hindustani music as established singer and dedicated teacher Suhas Vyas prepares to grace the stage. Invited by the prestigious Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Suhas Vyas is all set to perform on April 7th, marking a significant event that intertwines personal legacy with musical tradition.
After a lengthy hiatus of nearly two decades, Suhas Vyas is returning to perform in Bengaluru, an occurrence which he himself expresses with a mix of surprise and gratitude. Speaking over the telephone from Pune, he shares his anticipation. “I felt like this city had forgotten me!” he exclaims. “I am honoured to perform at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan as my father was associated with the Mumbai branch for years.” The occasion is not just any concert, but one that is deeply rooted in heritage and homage, as it celebrates the centenary of Suhas’ late father, CR Vyas—a towering figure in the sphere of Hindustani classical music.
The significant connection between the Vyas family and the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan dates back to the inception of its music wing in 1948, to which CR Vyas made significant contributions. Suhas reminisces the influence of his father and plans to bring to life the stalwart’s compositions during the performance. Notably, two of CR Vyas’ creations – ‘Dhanakoni Kalyan’ and ‘Shivaranjani’ – have gained considerable acclaim among the singers of Karnataka, suggesting the impact of his work beyond its origins.
The evening will also afford attendees an intimate glimpse into the life of CR Vyas, as Suhas is slated to deliver a talk on his father’s substantial artistic contributions. Renowned for his mastery over three distinct gharanas of Hindustani music—the Kirana, Gwalior, and Agra—CR Vyas was not only an exceptional artist and mentor but also a repository of knowledge. His multitude of songs have been gathered in ‘Raga Sarita’, a publication launched by the legendary Kumara Gandharva in 1984, with a subsequent edition released by none other than Zakir Hussain, a long-time collaborator of the maestro.
According to Suhas, this year is imbued with special significance, as the Vyas family orchestrates free concerts throughout India to mark the centennial of CR Vyas. Reflecting on the sense of purpose behind these events, Suhas conveys his profound desire to honor his father’s musical legacy. It’s an endeavor that commenced with reverence and fanfare on November 9, 2023, in Osmanabad, Sholapur—CR Vyas’ birthplace—culminating in a three-day festival of music where both students and descendents of CR Vyas, including Suhas, paid tribute through performance.
Suhas Vyas’ journey into the world of music is deeply intertwined with his relationship with his father, encapsulating both familial warmth and the rigorous discipline of a pupil. He underscores the dual perspective he had to navigate: the protective concern of a father contrasted with the stern guidance of a guru, both amalgamating to shape his individual musical path. As a child, he accompanied his father to concerts, passively absorbing the virtuosity of maestros like Pandit Ravi Shankar, Bhimsen Joshi, and Hari Prasad Chaurasia, thus enriching his own artistic sensibilities.
The upcoming Bengaluru concert is set to feature Suhas Vyas accompanied by the skillful Kiran Yavagal on tabla and Vyas Murthy Katti on the harmonium, presenting an ensemble that promises aural delight. The experience, open to all, promises to be a touching tribute not just to a lineage of incredible musicians, but to the enduring legacy of Hindustani classical music itself. Enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike are thus, cordially invited to witness the musical splendor as it unfolds at the serene precincts of the Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan come April 7th.
