Navi Mumbai: Learn from the past but lean into the future – could well describe the recent concert by Raaga Fusion in Vashi. The confluence of traditional Indian music sounds and techniques with contemporary style and rendition left the audience spellbound. 

Raaga Fusion, which emerged as the first runner up in Season 10 of India’s Got Talent, has attained claim for its musical creativity. Using a blend of percussion instruments, flutes and a unique ensemble of string instruments, the band pushed the creative boundaries only to leave the audience asking for more.

The event was organised as a fundraiser by Maharashtra Chapter of Bengal Engineering College Alumni Association to support underprivileged people which it supports. The event was held on May 18.

The high point of the event was a scintillating rendition of vocal percussion by Jayant Patnaik, noted for his dexterity in playing more than 10 percussion instruments simultaneously. 

Lead singer Ajay Tiwari performed some memorable songs. His repertoire – which covered a wide spectrum from AR Rahman’s movie numbers and Rabindranath Tagore’s Ekla chalo re to Krishna Leela bhajan – had an instant connect with the audience and left it asking for more.

In addition to its performance, the opportunity was also leveraged to educate the public about musical instruments which have faded from common memory. It offered a window to India's rich cultural heritage and hoary past.

Amritangshu Dutta played total five string instruments on one guitar while Harshit Shankar played a variety of flutes.

“We always tried to intertwine Indian classical music with popular hits and present it with a medium of soundscape which resonates with the new generation,” Patnaik added.   

“We are literally going to forget the instruments played by older generations. Raaga Fusion has revived our heritage, we are happy to listen to them,” said a classical music lover from the audience.