Pune: While the Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav is popular among Indian classical music lovers in India, foreigners were also spotted at the festival venue enjoying the live concert.

Tourists and foreign nationals visiting the city were seen at the festival listening to music in awe of singers and the ambiance.
Fred de Corte from Luxembourg, who is currently in the city to visit his daughter, said, “I listened to Indian classical music once, when I was young, back in Luxembourg. Some Indian artistes had accompanied a few European musicians. That was my first and the only encounter with Indian music before this festival. What I am listening to here today is much more intense and deep than what I had heard before. It’s complete bliss.”

His wife Hilde Deconinck said she loved the ambiance and beautiful presentation of classical music. “Earlier, we went to Odisha to attend a classical dance festival. And now, this live concert. We have watched two performances till now. Both of these were out of the world. People around us are saying that the best artistes are yet to come. We are totally enjoying our stay in India,” she said.

US-based Roseanne Sants, who got passes for the festival from her friends in Pune, said she felt lucky to be able to attend the concert. “In the USA, I have listened to Indian classical music because of Indian friends, and have always loved it. But this concert has taken my interest for the art to a completely different level. I have never been to such a peaceful concert before,” Sants said. Every year, numerous foreign music lovers attend the festival.