Vinay Desai with Shankh Lahiri | Friday, Aug. 26, 8 p.m.
Tickets: $20 members; $22 non-members; $10 students
The santoor is a 100-stringed instrument that has its origins in the valleys of Kashmir. Through the extensive hard work of our Guruji, Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, this instrument was introduced to Indian Classical in 1955. The tonal quality of this instruments puts listeners in deep states of meditation and when accompanied by Tabla, it can create an energized atmosphere.
The concert will begin with a meditative melodic improvisation that takes the listeners to a place of deep stillness. Once the mood of the raag is set and the ambience built, a Tabla player will join Vinay in creating powerful dynamic phrases that take the listeners on a melodic and rhythmic journey. The concert usually ends with a fast paced piece that enthralls the audience. This classical piece can last for about 1 hour and 15 minutes followed by a semi classical devotional piece. Vinay is known for his superlative melodic improvisations and sharp sense of rhythm. Together with the Tabla, the musicians have an astonishing ability to embrace, dive into and reinterpret traditional music.
Vinay’s initial training in Hindustani Classical Music, vocal/harmonium, & tabla, began under the guidance of Shafiq Rahman. After completing college in both Pre-pharmaceutical science as well as Pre-Law in Delaware, USA. Vinay moved to India in 2011 to learn Santoor. With the blessings and direct guidance from Padma Vibhushan Pt. Shivkumar Sharma. Vinay began his studies under Takahiro Arai, a disciple of Pt. Shivkumar Sharma. After the initial training in India, Vinay moved back to the USA and continued taalim under Shree Kunal Gunjal. Vinay feels fortunate to have expanded his knowledge in Hindustani Classical Music under the guidance of Shree Parthasarathi Chatterjee, Shree Jay Gandhiji, and Shree Suryaksha Deshpandejii.