Kolkata, Catch A Concert In A 250-Year-Old Cemetery Tomorrow

Even at the deepest depths of your most mind-numbing boredom, always take comfort in this fact: dead people are so much more bored than you. Truly, being trapped in a coffin six feet under for the rest of eternity has to be the worst way to spend your time. But this Saturday the residents of Kolkata’s South Park Street Cemetery are in for a musical respite to the monotony.

Organised by their above-ground compatriots in celebration of the cemetery’s 250th anniversary, a classical concert will be held in a clearing among the aging vaults and sepulchres. The programme will pay homage to the 17th and 18th century Baroque composers like Vivali, Bach and Handel and will be performed by some of the finest musicians in the city including violinist Prosanto Dutt.

Though primarily a Christian cemetery, the architecture belies a much more multicultural identity with Greek, Roman, Turkish and Mughal influences in the design of many of the vaults and even a few shaped like Hindu temples. The initiative aims not only to celebrate the beauty of the grounds but also afford residents of the area a chance to explore a lesser known cultural gem of the city and introduce a younger generation to the magic of classical music.

In a bid to encourage more people to attend, the tickets are very reasonably priced at Rs. 20 so even if you’re feeling the pinch after the holiday season, this is one outing you can’t afford to miss. So if you’re up for afternoon tea among the tombstones, book your tickets now, and perhaps put in a request for ‘Come, Sweet Death’, the unseen audience will appreciate the relatability.

To book tickets call on 9433625430

When: January 6, 3 p.m to 4.30 p.m

Venue: South Park Street Cemetery, Park Street, Kolkata.