Dhaka: Ustad Azizul Islam, a noted flute maestro of the sub-continent, enthralled the audiences with his outstanding flute music as he performed a 'solo flute evening' at Jatiya Press Club (JPC) on Friday, said a JPC release today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Ekushey Padak recipient flutist Azizul Islam began the programme with 'Raag Shyam Kalyan', a soulful evening melody blending the Kalyan and Kamod thaats. The performance was beautifully expressed on the bamboo flute, capturing the audience with its smooth notes and a romantic, devotional tune. Following this, Islam played Indian classical flute performances of jhaptal and tin-tal, further showcasing his mastery over the instrument.
The legendary flutist continued to mesmerize the audience with renditions of Raag Darbari (Kanada), Raag Charukeshi, and Pahari Dhun, each a distinct melodic framework that sounded deeply expressive on the Indian bamboo flute. He concluded his performance with Raag Jaijaiwanti (often spelled Joyjoyanti), capturing a romantic and majestic mood.
Azizul Islam, a Bangladeshi flute maestro who graduated from Bangladesh Marine Academy, initially served as a captain of a merchant vessel. He was trained under Ranjan Sengupta and Vilayat Ali Khan before leaving his marine job in 1973 to become a student of Indian sarod player Ustad Bahadur Khan. He sought to acquire the knowledge of the performing style of Seni Gharana and received lessons from flutists Devendra Murdeshwar and VG Karnad, both disciples of the noted Indian flute player and composer Pannalal Ghosh.
JPC president Poet Hasan Hafiz inaugurated the function, while JPC general secretary Ayub Bhuiyan delivered the welcome address at the beginning of the event. The function was moderated by JPC's cultural sub-committee convener Kazi Rawnak Hossen. Attendance included Press Club managing committee treasurer Bakhtiar Rana, members Qader Gani Chowdhury, Syed Abdal Ahmed, AKM Mohsin, Shahnaj Begum Poly, Mohammad Momin Hossain, their family members, and other attendees who enjoyed the flute music programme.
In recognition of his contribution, the JPC president Poet Hasan Hafiz, general secretary Ayub Bhiyan, and managing committee members presented a crest to the legendary flutist on behalf of the JPC.