Back in the sixties, two virtuosos, Ravi Shankar and Yehudi Menuhin brought the music of the East and West together with their historic collaboration titled ‘East Meets West’. Five decades later, Shankar’s protégée, Shubhendra Rao and brilliant Cellist Saskia Rao-de Haas, prove that the music of East and West no longer just meets but are ready for an abiding relationship through their path breaking music East Marries West.
Shubhendra Rao and Saskia Rao-de Haas will perform at Sangeet Mela 2016, Queensland Multicultural Centre on Saturday 3rd September. Sangeet Mela is Australia’s premiere Indian classical music and dance festival including both Hindustani (Northern) and Carnatic (Southern) styles.
A leading magazine writes about Shubhendra Rao, “Here is not just a master at the sitar, but a thinking musician taking his instrument beyond convention. He has become a musical bridge to many cultures.”
Saskia Rao-de Haas is a pioneer in the world of music for introducing her Indian cello to North Indian classical music. Speaking about Saskia, her guru, flute maestro Hariprasad Chaurasia said in an interview on the news channel Headlines Today: “She has been taught by God and everyone should listen to her music.”
Shubhendra and Saskia, with tabla accompaniment by Zuheb Ahmed Khan, will present the grand finale jugalbandi performance at Sangeet Mela 2016, an annual celebration of Indian classical culture now in its 3rd year.
Along the way, the audience will be treated to Bharat Natyam dance by Janani Ganapathi with a live musical ensemble, leading vocalists Charulatha Mani and Sayak Bhattacharya, beautiful Mohiniattam dance by Bindu Rajendren, and sensational tabla solo in the Ajrara style by Zuheb Ahmed Khan of Delhi.
Sangeet Mela 2016 will commence at 2:30pm with performances by the winners of the Sangeet Premi Rising Star Awards for young Indian classical artists under 25 years old.
“This event is one of a kind in Australia, bringing together top international and interstate artists with our best local and young talent, ” said Sangeet Premi Club president Yousuf Alikhan. “We are doing our best to promote and cultivate Indian classical music, which is something all Indians can be proud of regardless of region or religion.”
“It’s very refreshing to see the enthusiasm among young people to master these magnificent arts. We have such incredible talent here in our community. Mathuja Bavan, who is performing on violin this year, also won the Rising Star Award for Dance last year. What a great achievement!”
Full details of Sangeet Mela 2016 including programme, artist bios and ticketing can be found at the event website, www.sangeetmela.org.
Sangeet Mela 2016 is supported by the Lord Mayor’s Suburban Initiative Fund and The Gabba Ward, and proudly sponsored by Platinum Sponsor SolarSpan, Australia’s favourite all-in-one patio roof, insulation & ceiling, giving superior comfort & style to your outdoor area. Also supported by Supporting Organisation Sahaja Yoga Meditation, Silver Sponsors Homeopathy for Health (Rukmani Paliwal), Sitar Restaurant, Target Travels & Tours, Yoga With Yolanda, IGA Forest Lake, and Exclusive Media Sponsors Brisbane Indian Times and Australian Indian Radio. Sangeet Mela is organised by Sangeet Premi Club in conjunction with EthnoSuperLounge, and underwritten by a consortium of dedicated Indian classical music lovers including Australia-India Cultural Exchange Association, Tabla Wala Australia, and FinancialFirst.