A musical evening with the most admired and talented Classical Artist,
Ustad Iqbal Ahmed Khan

Lake Forest, (LA), California,
S. Dabgotra

On August 23rd, 2009, So cal's popular vocalist and established voice trainer Dipali Singh, hosted an intimate baithak for her Guru Ustad Iqbal Ahmed Khan, the Khalifa of the Delhi Gharana of Music at her Orange County residence. The evening was a rare feast for over a hundred music lovers who were treated to the centuries old, musical traditions of Hazrat Amir Khusro in the voice of Doyen of the Gharana itself.

Delhi Gharana is one of the oldest traditional gharanas of Hindustani classical music and has produced musicians who have gained immense respect and acclaim in both vocal & Instrumental music. The Delhi Gharana was founded b y Hazrat Amir Khusro and is known for it's pleasing vistaar (elaboration) and exquisite compositions.

Ustad Iqbal Ahmed Khan is well known for his versatility and his vocal expression has been described by International media as solid, substantial, graceful and supple. His renditions have been described as uniquely powerful and delicate at the same time. Young Iqbal was adopted and groomed by his maternal grand father Sangeet Martand Ustad Chand Khan Sahib and his paternal grandfather Ustad Jahan Khan and grand uncle Ustad Usman Khan. With this grounding he also had the privilege of learning from his uncles Ustad Hilal Ahmed Khan, Ustad Naseer Ahmed Khan, Ustad Zafar Ahmed Khan & his father Ustad Zahoor Ahmed Khan. He has since then received much acclaim worldwide and been awarded numerous awards Internationally.

The mellifluous voice of Ustad Iqbal Ahmed Khan mesmerized the audience with musical renditions from classical khayals, Dadra, Thumri to ghazals for over 3 hours. He was accompanied on the tabla by accomplished Tabla Nawaz Rahis Khan and on the harmonium by the very well known Dr. Gopal Marathe. Both excelled and lifted the evening with their experienced and knowledgeable accompaniment.

When Ustad Ji started the first Gazal “G hazab Kiya Tere Vadeh pe Etbaar Kiya” every one started clapping and would not stop. Then he recited “Tum Ko Jab Yaad Kiya Main Ne, Pehle Se Dil Thaam Liya Meain Ne”. Third Gazal “Luttfe Aaghaz Mila Lazzte Injam Ke Baad” and so on. Every one enjoyed so much that they kept on repeating once more once more. It was once in a life time experience to listen to such a great artist.

Copies of Ustad ji's live recordings were gifted by Dipali to the audience. Refreshments and an extravagant spread of delicious home cooked dinner for all attendees added a warm and personal touch to the entire evening. This wonderful evening was organized by Dipali & Manraj Singh, Prashant and Prerna Kulkarni, Kishor Katti & Harmala Uberai. Sound was provided by Surya Foundation.

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