Tabla 2011

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MASTER INDIAN MUSICIANS READY TO SHARE THE ROMANCE AND SPIRITUALITY OF THEIR MUSIC IN SOUTH AFRICA

Lovers of Indian Classical Music will be treated to an evening of romantic and soulful music in the forthcoming production "Ragas of Romance" featuring Tarun Bhattacharya (santoor), Rakesh Chaurasia (flute), and Abhijit Banerjee (tabla). A "raga" is the basis of Indian Classical Music and in simple terms is the tonal framework for composition and improvisation. Around the tonal framework, Indian Classical Musicians will improvise, very similar to jazz musicians. A raga is far more precise and much richer than a scale or mode, and much less fixed than a particular tune.

The artists presented in "Ragas of Romance" have made major contributions to the realm of Indian Classical Music internationally. The concert series starts in Cape Town on Friday 15 April at the Baxter Concert Hall, and then moves to the Lyric Theatre in Johannesburg on Sunday 17 April. Ragas of Romance will feature solos by each principal artist accompanied by tabla, and then move on to the much acclaimed jugalbandi (duet) between flute and santoor, accompanied by tabla. The artists will also be conducting workshops and master-classes whilst in the country.

Abhijit Banerjee is considered among the foremost tabla players from India and one of the most sought after creative artists in the realm of Indian percussion. With nearly 20 years of professional experience Abhijit has crafted a unique style and creative approach which has brought him accolades and awards from all over the world for his sensitivity, skill and deep sense of musicality. Apart from his contributions to Indian music he has left his mark in a diverse field of crossover music both as a performer and composer.

Speaking from Boston, USA, tabla player Abhijit Banerjee says "not only are we looking forward to performing for the South African audience, but we also aim to share our music by conducting workshops and master-classes. As the next generation of Indian Classical Musicians, it is our duty to take this genre across the globe and across all cultures."

In addition to a highly successful career in Indian Classical music his crossover work includes collaborations with musicians such as Ry Cooder, Larry Corryell and Trilok Gurtu. Abhijit founded the touring ensemble "Tarang" performing his original compositions, and released a CD of the same title. He is also member of the Raga Jazz group, Arohi Ensemble.

Abhijit established the Dhwani Academy of Percussion which now has branches in Los Angeles, New York, Singapore and Calcutta, attracting talented students from around the world. The Academy also works towards the broader promotion of Indian music and has initiated blind children in the art of music.

Rakesh Chaurasia who is currently on a concert tour to Mauritius and Reunion says "my music has always been extremely well received in South Africa, be it in live concert or via my album sales. South Africa and India both have extremely rich musical cultures and that should partly explain the appreciation for foreign genres. I am accompanied on this tour by two very senior musicians from India and it will inspire me to take my live performance to new heights while in South Africa."

Rakesh Chaurasia is the nephew of flute maestro Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia and shows all the promise to carry the Chaurasia legacy to new heights.

Just like his legendary uncle, Rakesh possesses the right balance of strength and serenity, very critical factors for an exceptional flautist. His dextrous blowing technique coupled with his training of ‘swar’ (tone) and ‘tala’ (time measurement) exudes adeptly in his emotions through the hollow piece of bamboo. Rakesh has travelled the world enthralling audiences at classical and semi-classical concerts. He is also an accomplished musician having recorded with most of the leading stalwarts of the Indian film industry.

He has composed music and worked with artists such as the Spanish guitarist Marco Salaun, Indian jazz pianist Louis Banks and percussionist Taufiq Qureshi, amongst others. "VIRA", is one of his most successful and highly acclaimed albums where he was accompanied by Talvin Singh on the tabla. His album "Divinity" is extremely popular in South Africa.

In 2007 Rakesh received the Indian Music Academy Award from the then President of India Dr. Abdul Kalam. Rakesh also accompanied tabla wizard Zakir Hussain at the opening concert of Celtic Connections 2011 in Glasgow in January 2011. He is indeed, destined to carve a niche for himself in the realm of Indian Classical Music with the simple (yet extremely difficult to play) bamboo flute

Santoor maestro Tarun Bhattacharya has been a pioneering and revolutionary musician who has changed the face of Indian classical music, he has been truly an unparalleled music ambassador of India (santoor is a 100 stringed instrument similar to the hammered dulcimer). He received his initial music training from his father Pandit Rabi Bhattacharya and finally from the legendary sitarist Pandit Ravi Shankar.

Tarun Bhattacharya has adapted the santoor as well as its style of play. He displayed for the first time ever that one could 'meend' or glide notes (a technique adapted from vocal music) at the lower octave in a hammered instrument like the santoor.

Based in Kolkatta, santoor maestro Tarun Bhattacharya says "it has always been my wish to perform in South Africa. I have heard so much about the growing audience appreciation for Indian Classical Music from other musicians who performed in SA. Using my instrument, the santoor, I will express my appreciation to the audience and share the love, romance, and spirituality which is core and at the heart of Indian Classical Music."

One of the most celebrated torch bearers of Indian classical music Tarun has virtually traversed the globe many times over performing in some of the most prestigious venues and cities including the Royal Albert Hall, Palais des Beaux (Brussels), Theater De La Ville (France), Apollo Theatre (Spain), Jubilee Auditorium (Canada), and the Kremlin (Russia).

Maestro Tarun Bhattacharya has released over 100 albums. His album "Lovers Conversation" and the "Song of Nature" series are particularly popular in South Africa.

The concert dates are:

Cape Town – Friday 15th April 2011, Baxter Concert Hall; 8.15pm

Johannesburg – Sunday 17th April 2011, Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City; 4pm.

Tickets available from Computicket outlets, online or call centre 083 915 8000.

Workshop / Masterclass

Saturday 16th April, SA College of Music, UCT 10am & 2pm

[Bookings for the workshop can be made by emailing tabla@innercircle.co.za or calling Rashmi on 083 789 1789]