Harshad Dongare (born 1980 in Mumbai) an Indian Classical
Vocalist (Hindustani Classical Music), represents the new face of Indian
classical performers, who will take the art to newer heights. Having trained in
Indian Classical Vocal Music for more than 15 years, Harshad also excels in
other forms of music including Natya Sangeet, and Bhajans.
Harshad’s training in Indian Classical started at the age of
9. His initial learning started at Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, Mumbai. Later he
received lessons from Shri. Anil Naik for 3 years, while pursuing bachelor of commerce in Mumbai. After graduation, he decided to pursue classical music as a full time profession and started getting lessons from Pandit
Rajendra Kandalgaonkar of Kirana Gharana, disciple of Bharat
Ratna Pandit Bhimsen Joshi in Pune. He was awarded with Sangeet Alankar Degree by
Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, Mumbai and M.A. (Music) in the year 2007.
Harshad has added lot of
achievements to his credits. Harshad was awarded with B High Grade in All India
Radio (AIR). He was awarded with ‘Bhaskarbua Bakhale Puraskar’ in the
year 2004 as an appreciation towards achieving highest rank in B.A. (Music)
from Lalit Kala Kendra, University of Pune. Harshad was also awarded with Scholarship from Ministry of
HRD, Department of Culture, New Delhi for advanced training in Indian Classical
Vocal. He was also awarded with Ramrao
Koratkar Scholarship and Ushatai
Mujumdar Scholarship from Gaanvardhan, Pune.
Inspite of having
trained in Kirana Gharana, Harshad is of the opinion to adopt the best from all
Gharanas. In his opinion, “Listening to artists from various gharanas enriches
the thought process and ultimately the performance”. Gifted with sweet voice
and having trained for long time, Harshad manages to unfold the Raaga
intellectually and at the same time giving a pleasing experience to the
audience.
He is appointed in the panel of Gurus of Lalit Kala Kendra - Savitribai Phule, Pune University. Empanelled Guru in Bharati Vidyapeeth's School of performing arts, Pune.