Pt. Nityanand Haldipur

Pt. Nityanand Haldipur - Flute (bansuri)

The talented Nityanand Haldipur - ranked among India's leading flautists and a senior disciple of the reclusive genius, Padma Bhushan Smt. Annapurna Devi - represents the pure essence of a highly revered musical heritage.

Born in Bombay in a deeply spiritual family, Nityanand was fortunate to have the right environment for his latent musical talents to blossom. His first guru who initiated him into the art, technique and aesthetics of flute-playing was his father, the late Shri Niranjan Haldipur - a senior disciple of the renowned flute maestro, the late Pandit Pannalal Ghosh. The warm soothing sounds of the bamboo flute were an early, pervading influence. And for young Nityanand to be attracted to the instrument was only natural.

Over the next two decades, Nityanand's training continued under the late Pandit Chidanand Nagarkar, and Pandit Devendra Murdeshwar, seniormost disciple of late Pandit Pannalal Ghosh, under whom Nityanand perfected his technique.

However, it was after 1986, when Padma Bhushan Smt. Annapurna Devi - doyen of the Senia-Maihar gharana - and daughter of the legendary Ustad Allauddin Khansaheb (Baba), the fountainhead of the gharana - accepted him as one of her disciples, that Nityanand's talent and musicianship truly flowered. It progressively acquired depth, maturity and a new dimension.

(Picture: Nityanand at age 9, receiving instruction from Late Pt. Pannalal Ghosh.)

The polished tonal grace, rhythmic elegance, and depth as well as lucidity of expression evident in Nityanand's playing are the result of his continuing advanced training and refinement under Smt. Annapurna Devi. It embodies the hallowed teaching traditions of the Senia-Maihar gharana and follows the same arduous riyaz and persevering commitment that has produced virtuosi like Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Pandit Ravi Shankar, the late Pannalal Ghosh and the late Pandit Nikhil Banerjee.

To the rigours of such a preeminent tradition, Nityanand has added his own dedication and finesse - through painstaking practice, assiduous assimilation and erudite presentation. Absorbing what is pure, beautiful and dignified in Hindustani classical music, Nityanand has imbibed the difficult grammar, discipline and subtleties of the rich legacy he has inherited.

While his Dhrupand-ang alaps and the distinctly formatted jod in the vilambit compositions are serene, contemplative and introspective, his drut renderings are lilting and imbued with a fascinating variety of rhythmic patterns. Nityanand has performed at several music conferences including the SAARC Festival and the Apna Utsav series. Music lovers and critics alike, in India and abroad, have acclaimed his imaginative and haunting rendition of ragas. His performances are replete with unexpected, sweet and breathtaking improvisations. An eclectic musician, Nityanand has kept his mind and ears open to the beat that other styles and cultures have to offer. His rich and extensive repertoire covers a wide canvas: from the pure classical to the experimental fusion.

A Top Grade artist of AIR and Doordarshan, Nityanand has participated in the National Programme of Music and the All India Radio Sangeet Sammelan. His music is also available on the Magnasound and Lineage labels. In 2010, Nityanand Haldipur was given the highest award for his contribution to Indian classical music by Sangeet Natak Academy, Govt. Of India, New Delhi.