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Priyanka Gope, 30, is an award-winning classical vocalist, as well as a teacher. Her passion for classical music started to grow after she completed her HSC exams. She soon received a scholarship to study music at Rabindra Bharati University in Kolkata, India. Despite starting to learn classical music a bit late, she has carved a niche for herself in a short span of time. She regularly works on new albums and performs in different musical programmes. Gope is also an assistant professor in the Music Department of Dhaka University. She has won numerous national and international awards, but considers people’s appreciation the best award of all. Y&I recently talked to her about her journey, thoughts and future plans regarding classical music. |
Sheikh Iraj
How did you get into classical music? What inspired you?
I slowly became more passionate towards learning classical music in 2003, when I completed my HSC (Higher Secondary Certificate) and received an ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations) scholarship. I don’t come from a musical background, but my family and friends always supported me. To a great extent, my music teacher Rasid Roy inspired me to go for the classical genre. I have learned from many prominent classical vocalists, and one thing is for sure that there is always something new to learn in classical music. From that perspective, I think I am still learning.
What’s your outlook on today’s record and online music industries?
Both the record and online music industries are growing in the sense that many new singers are able to release albums. It is true that, like me, many other singers don’t get the royalties from record producers that they deserve. I don’t know, may be people don’t listen to my songs!
What advice would you give to other singers trying to get a start?
Never let go of the passion and dedication you have for music.
Please tell us about your released albums.
So far, four of my solo albums have been released. Two of them are on classical music, and two are modern music albums.
What are your thoughts on the recently held classical music festival?
I performed in that music festival and it was a great experience for me. Bengal Classical Music Festival is one of the biggest music festivals that we have, and it is really supporting talented classical musicians. I believe it’s going to get even bigger in the days to come. For a classical musician, just by getting selected to perform in the festival says a lot about your talent.
Please tell us about your biggest achievements.
I have won many awards and it won’t be right to mention only a few. My biggest achievements are that I am able to practise classical music, and that I am able to perform for the people of our country.
What are your future goals?
I want to work with the students I have at Dhaka University’s music department. I want to help them and guide them to the best of my ability. I really want them to shine. I want to dedicate more time to classical music and I want to represent our country through my music.