During the middle stave of the popular Nazrul song Tepantarer mathe, Aamar khaoya poaray nai ruchi, Shimul YousufTs voicemodulation struck a responsive chord in the audience present at the Theatre Institute of Chattagram (TIC) Auditorium on October 8. Equally impressive were her renderings of songs of Rajanikanta, Tagore and Lalon. The occasion was the second day of the ongoing three-day cultural celebration of the new venue in Chittagong.

The second singer of the evening was Shefali Ghosh, otherwise known as the 'queen of regional song'. She was greeted warmly by the audience who were regaled with a verse from a ritual song, followed by Aamar Jasimuddin koi, Jodi shundar ekta mukh paitarn, O Manurey, OShama Rcngume na jaio and Ore natni. Her wonderful stage performance with several indigenous instruments was

impressive.

Later, folksinger Abdur Rahim presented some songs. His wonderful voice modulation in Krishnalila, Tbmaro lagiarc bondhu, touched the hearts of the audience. He then presented some other folk songs like Guru upay balo na and others. Folk

artiste Kalpana Lala, the last performer, was equally impressive.

Earlier in the programme, Mayor of Chittagong City Corporation ABM Mahiuddin Chowdhury presented crests to the artistes. Poet TYidib Dostidar recited his poem in the opening session.