Sat 16 Sep Sunnybank: Vinod Prasanna (bansuri – Melbourne)

Qld Sangeet Mela Assoc presents an evening of Hindustani classical music featuring Australia’s leading bansuri artist, Sri Vinod Prasanna.

7PM SAT 16 SEP
Sunnybank Church of Christ Hall, 105 Station Rd, Sunnybank

PROGRAMME:
7pm: Sitar – Smt Shrabani Choudhury, with Pankaj Navlekar (tabla)
730pm: Interval – samosas and chai will be served courtesy of Brisbane Indian Times
8pm: Bansuri – Sri Vinod Prasanna, with Shen Flindell (tabla)

TICKET BOOKINGS: https://www.trybooking.com/CKKKA
FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/events/1031357061358529

ARTIST BIOS:
VINOD PRASANNA (BANSURI):
Born into one of India’s greatest flute-playing families, award-winning bansuri (flute) virtuoso, Vinod Prasanna shines as an outstanding performer of authentic traditional and contemporary Indian music. Vinod’s emotive melodies, exquisite improvisations and divine flute song distinguish his performance of Indian classical, world and meditation music. Simply, Indian music at its finest.
Since being initiated into the Benares Gharana of tabla by Pt Ashutosh Bhattacharya in 1994, Shen Flindell has grown to become one of Australia’s leading tabla players. He is the accompanist of choice for Indian classical artists visiting Brisbane, and also performs in fusion groups such as Tibet2Timbuk2. He is best known for his beautiful sound and supportive accompaniment. In 2019 Shen instigated the founding of Queensland Sangeet Mela Association (QSMA), to foster the development of Indian classical music in Queensland. Shen loves bringing people together to unite through music, whether it’s playing with his many young students or collaborating with top musicians from around the world.

SHEN FLINDELL (TABLA):
Since being initiated into the Benares Gharana of tabla by Pt Ashutosh Bhattacharya in 1994, Shen Flindell has grown to become one of Australia’s leading tabla players. He is the accompanist of choice for Indian classical artists visiting Brisbane, and also performs in fusion groups such as Tibet2Timbuk2. He is best known for his beautiful sound and supportive accompaniment. In 2019 Shen instigated the founding of Queensland Sangeet Mela Association (QSMA), to foster the development of Indian classical music in Queensland. Shen loves bringing people together to unite through music, whether it’s playing with his many young students or collaborating with top musicians from around the world.

SHRABANI CHOUDHURY (SITAR):
A distinguished Sitar player of Vishnupur Gharana, Shrabani Choudhury has been performing in numerous concerts in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney for the last 20 years. She initially learnt sitar from her guru late Shri Nikhil-Ranjan Das from Vishnupur Gharana and then received training and guidance from the renowned sitar player late Pt. Soumitra Lahiri. Since her first widely acclaimed solo performance at the age of 15, Shrabani has been a regular performer, music teacher and still possesses a keen passion for further learning. Shrabani has been a regular performer in various Swaramohini concerts, Cultivart series organized by BEMAC, Queensland Multicultural Music Festival, Queensland Sacred Music Festivals, Music by the Sea, Brisbane River Festival and Chanel Nine’s The Shak, nationally broadcast programme.
The classical music that Shrabani Choudhury plays comes from the heart and soul and fills the mind of audience with a sense of peace, joy and happiness.

PANKAJ NAVLEKAR (TABLA):
Pankaj Navlekar is a Classical Tabla player of the Hindustani (North Indian) style of playing, and has been a resident of Brisbane since 2011. He was introduced to the classical tradition of Tabla playing at a very early age of 10, in his hometown in India. After learning Tabla for 6 years in a local music school in his hometown of Jabalpore, he was introduced to the ‘Gurukul’ tradition of learning under the tutelage of Pandit Gopalrao Wadegaonkar. Pankaj has received training in the Farookhabaad style of Tabla playing – some famous artistes from which include Ustad Amir Hussein Khan and the legendary Ustad Ahmed Jaan Thirakwa. Pankaj calls Brisbane his home and has been a regular performer in Brisbane’s Classical and Semi-Classical music circles and has accompanied vocal and instrumental artists from within Brisbane and overseas.

Sat 1 Jul Sunnybank: Josh Feinberg (sitar -USA) and the Pawars (vocal – Brisbane)

Qld Sangeet Mela Assoc presents an evening of Hindustani classical music featuring renowned US sitar maestro Sri Josh Feinberg. The evening will open with a vocal recital by father-son duo Raghunath and Rugved Pawar.

7PM SAT 1 JULY
Sunnybank Church of Christ Hall, 105 Station Rd, Sunnybank

PROGRAMME:
7pm: Vocal Duo – Raghunath and Rugved Pawar, with Joseph Nand (harmonium) and Pankaj Navlekar (tabla)
730pm: Interval – samosas and chai will be served courtesy of Brisbane Indian Times
8pm: Sitar – Josh Feinberg, with Shen Flindell (tabla)

TICKET BOOKINGS: https://www.trybooking.com/CIQYW

TOUR EVENTS IN OUR REGION:
Fri 30 Jun Bangalow: https://www.facebook.com/events/822412222635160
Sat 1 Jul Sunnybank: https://www.facebook.com/events/1237016143596287
Sun 2 Jul Eumundi: https://www.facebook.com/events/267291729197236

ARTIST BIOS:
JOSH FEINBERG (SITAR):
Josh began his musical training at 4 years old with western classical and jazz on piano and bass in New York City, hailed as a prodigy performing in jazz venues and concert halls. In his teens, Josh fell in love with the music of Ustad Ali Akbar Khan and Pandit Nikhil Banerjee, and shifted his focus to sitar and Hindustani music. Josh is a student of the Maihar Gharana (school of playing) and has earned the love and respect of connoisseurs of Hindustani music, as well art-music communities around the world. One of the first non-Indian musicians to be accepted as a leading performer, he has learned with Ustad Ali Akbar Khan as well as Ust. Aashish Khan, Sri Alam Khan, Pt. Tejendra Majumdar, Dr. Peter Row, Dr. George Ruckert, Sri James Pomerantz, Sri Warren Senders and Smt. Vijaya Sundaram. Josh has also learned tabla and attended workshops with Pt. Anindo Chatterjee.

Josh has been dazzling audiences around the world for 20 years. In 2019 Josh had 3 international tours including 25 concerts in 28 days for his India tour at some of the leading venues in the country. His other 2019 tours included 77 concerts in the United Kingdom, Australia, and concerts throughout the USA, making him one of the most in-demand sitarists currently performing. Josh is also one of very few young musicians who has performed with most of the top tabla artists in the world including Pt. Swapan Chaudhuri, Pt. Anindo Chatterjee, Pt Kumar Bose, and others. Josh is a regular at the Chicago World Music Festival and has performed for the Lotus World Music Festival, Harvard University, New England Conservatory, and countless other venues and festivals around the world.

SHEN FLINDELL (TABLA):
Since being initiated into the Benares Gharana of tabla by Pt Ashutosh Bhattacharya in 1994, Shen Flindell has grown to become one of Australia’s leading tabla players. He is the accompanist of choice for Indian classical artists visiting Brisbane, and also performs in fusion groups such as Tibet2Timbuk2. He is best known for his beautiful sound and supportive accompaniment. In 2019 Shen instigated the founding of Queensland Sangeet Mela Association (QSMA), to foster the development of Indian classical music in Queensland. Shen loves bringing people together to unite through music, whether it’s playing with his many young students or collaborating with top musicians from around the world.

RAGHUNATH and RUGVED PAWAR (VOCAL):
Raghunath is born & brought-up Mumbaikar, started learning from his father since the age of 7, being encouraged after winning an inter-school competition back then and by now performed more than 450+ solo and group shows across the world. He is continuing his classical education from Smt Aparna Gurav and also continues spreading the beauty of Indian classical music through 7-Notes Academy.

Rugved is a very passionate musician, having observed his father perform since a very early age. He learnt Tabla for about 8 years. He has been learning classical vocals since the age of 4 and now learns from Smt Aparna Gurav. He also teaches Piano, Tabla and Western drums with 7-Notes. Rugved has performed in various shows in ANZ with local professionals as well as international artists.

JOSEPH NAND (HARMONIUM):
Joseph Abhay Nand is a stalwart participant in the Brisbane Indian classical community. Originally from Fiji, he learnt harmonium from Ustad Mohammed Hussein from Pakistan and Ustad Mehmood Dholpuri from India. He is also accomplished in both tabla and vocal. He learnt tabla from his elder brother Sri Viveka Nand, Ustad Mubarak Khan, Pt Surendra Bhatt and Ustad Hashmat Ali Khan, and learnt vocal from Ustad Ghulam Sadiq Khan.

PANKAJ NAVLEKAR (TABLA):
Pankaj Navlekar is a Classical Tabla player of the Hindustani (North Indian) style of playing, and has been a resident of Brisbane since 2011. He was introduced to the classical tradition of Tabla playing at a very early age of 10, in his hometown in India. After learning Tabla for 6 years in a local music school in his hometown of Jabalpore, he was introduced to the ‘Gurukul’ tradition of learning under the tutelage of Pandit Gopalrao Wadegaonkar. Pankaj has received training in the Farookhabaad style of Tabla playing – some famous artistes from which include Ustad Amir Hussein Khan and the legendary Ustad Ahmed Jaan Thirakwa. Pankaj calls Brisbane his home and has been a regular performer in Brisbane’s Classical and Semi-Classical music circles and has accompanied vocal and instrumental artists from within Brisbane and overseas.

Sat 10/11 Jun: Sangeet Mishra (sarangi – Mumbai)

Qld Sangeet Mela Assoc presents an evening of Hindustani classical music featuring 8th generation sarangi maestro Sangeet Mishra, direct from Mumbai.

Programme:
7pm: Bansuri – Darshil Shah (tabla by Pankaj Navlekar)
730pm: Interval – samosas and chai will be served courtesy of Brisbane Indian Times
8pm: Sarangi – Sangeet Mishra (tabla by Shen Flindell)

Ticket bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/CHNMV

TOUR SCHEDULE IN OUR REGION:
: Sat 3 Jun Bangalow: https://www.facebook.com/events/2382781718563830/
: Sat 10 Jun Sunnybank: https://www.facebook.com/events/607720017933645
: Sun 11 Jun Buderim: https://www.facebook.com/events/949417459420909

ARTIST BIOS:
SANGEET MISHRA (SARANGI):
Born into the legendary Mishra family who are of the renowned Banaras Gharana, Sangeet Mishra is an 8th generation sarangi player. His first Guru was his paternal grandfather, the late maestro, Pt. Narayan Das Mishra and under his guidance Sangeet required a remarkable proficiency in vocals. Living the culture of North Indian classical music from birth it is not surprising he is doing what he does best, playing the Sarangi full time. Initially, he started to learn sarangi from his maternal grandfather, the world renowned sarangi player Pt. Bhagwan Das Mishra and his father Pt.Santosh Mishra. His seniors and gurus are proud of the way he is growing into a fine musician. Sangeet plays with a great depth of cultural understanding and knowledge that rises above gymnastics, he plays with soul straight from the heart. His capabilities and nuances of expression are extensive, demonstrated by the way he plays a raag without missing the true sruti of the raag. He has laboured to keep alive the music and techniques of the great elders past and present by acquiring both the tantakri and gayaki style of playing the sarangi. Rooted firmly in the ancient traditions and techniques of shastriya sangeet (classical music) Sangeet has created a distinctive individuality to his playing. Through his innovations as a musician he has succeeded in blending contemporary musical thought in playing the sarangi without compromising on its traditional purity and essence. A versatile performer, he is known for his solo recital, accompaniment playing and successfully collaborating with musicians from different genres across countries together, creating a unique musical language.

Presently based in Mumbai, Sangeet maintains a busy schedule, traveling interstate in India and globally. He is a sought after musician for solo recitals, accompaniment for traditional vocal and dance, contemporary Indian music, as well as within the global world of fusion music.

DARSHIL SHAH (BANSURI):
Darshil is one of the most prominent Bansuri (Bamboo Flute) players in Australia. He has been playing Bansuri since the year 2000. Born & Brought up in Mumbai, he has had the privilege of learning music from some of the best Bansuri Players of Maihar Gharana (Lineage). His current guru is Shri Partha Sarkar who is a senior disciple of Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia. Darshil’s core musical roots are from Indian Classical Raga Music, however he is always keen to collaborate with artists from all genres and explore the musical boundaries. He loves adding the Hindustani classical music touch to complement any existing music, song or piece performed. He has had experience in performing solo and with artists from various musical backgrounds like Raga, Fusion, Folk, Jazz, Yoga, Sound healing, Ghazal, Bhajan, Live Theatre, Bollywood, Kathak, Sufi, Qawwali, Western Classical and World Music collaborations. Darshil is very passionate about teaching this art to the next generation of musicians, interested in exploring the beauty and sound of this natural instrument and has built a successful Bansuri brand named BambooMagic8.

SHEN FLINDELL (TABLA):
Since being initiated into the Benares Gharana of tabla by Pt Ashutosh Bhattacharya in 1994, Shen Flindell has grown to become one of Australia’s leading tabla players. He is the accompanist of choice for Indian classical artists visiting Brisbane, and also performs in fusion groups such as Tibet2Timbuk2. He is best known for his beautiful sound and supportive accompaniment. In 2019 Shen instigated the founding of Queensland Sangeet Mela Association (QSMA), to foster the development of Indian classical music in Queensland. Shen loves bringing people together to unite through music, whether it’s playing with his many young students or collaborating with top musicians from around the world.

PANKAJ NAVLEKAR (TABLA):
Pankaj Navlekar is a Classical Tabla player of the Hindustani (North Indian) style of playing, and has been a resident of Brisbane since 2011. He was introduced to the classical tradition of Tabla playing at a very early age of 10, in his hometown in India. After learning Tabla for 6 years in a local music school in his hometown of Jabalpore, he was introduced to the ‘Gurukul’ tradition of learning under the tutelage of Pandit Gopalrao Wadegaonkar. Pankaj has received training in the Farookhabaad style of Tabla playing – some famous artistes from which include Ustad Amir Hussein Khan and the legendary Ustad Ahmed Jaan Thirakwa. Pankaj calls Brisbane his home and has been a regular performer in Brisbane’s Classical and Semi-Classical music circles and has accompanied vocal and instrumental artists from within Brisbane and overseas.

Sun 30 Apr Grange: QSMA Indian Classical Concert and 2023 AGM

Qld Sangeet Mela Association presents an Indian Classical Concert in conjunction with our 2023 Annual General Meeting. This concert is FREE for members, including anyone who joins from now or on the night!

PROGRAMME:
630pm: Tabla solo by Shainthra Birabaharan, accompanied by Keshav Siraparapu (harmonium)
650pm: Sitar solo by Dr Indranil Chatterjee, accompanied by Shen Flindell (tabla)
750pm: Break for tea and snacks
815pm: AGM

Ticket bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/CHBIC
Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/769307498244160

AGM DOCUMENTS:

ARTIST BIOS:
DR INDRANIL CHATTERJEE – SITAR:
Dr. Indranil Chatterjee, a medical practitioner by profession, started learning Indian classical music at a very early age, initially under Pandit Ashit Bannerjee (of Dagar gharana) and later under Pandit Manilal Nag of Bishnupur gharana. Dr. Indranil Chatterjee has performed extensively in music festivals in India and abroad. He is a regular performer in Brisbane’s classical music circle.

SHEN FLINDELL – TABLA:
Since being initiated into the Benares Gharana of tabla by Pt Ashutosh Bhattacharya in 1994, Shen Flindell has grown to become one of Australia’s leading tabla players. He is the accompanist of choice for Indian classical artists visiting Brisbane, and also performs in fusion groups such as Tibet2Timbuk2. He is best known for his beautiful sound and supportive accompaniment. In 2019 Shen instigated the founding of Queensland Sangeet Mela Association (QSMA), to foster the development of Indian classical music in Queensland. Shen loves bringing people together to unite through music, whether it’s playing with his many young students or collaborating with top musicians from around the world.

SHAINTHRA BIRABAHARAN – TABLA:
Shainthra has been learning tabla with Sri Shen Flindell since 2013. In recent years he has begun performing at various community concerts around Brisbane including Sargam Music Academy and Ashu Babu Memorial Tabla School (ABMTS) annual concerts. He has experience in performing tabla solo as well as vocal and instrumental accompaniment. He has also regularly given harmonium accompaniment for tabla solo performances. Shainthra is the 2023 recipient of the annual ABMTS Scholarship.

KESHAV SIRAPARAPU – HARMONIUM:
Keshav is one of the senior tabla students of Sri Shen Flindell. At this concert he will be giving harmonium accompaniment for Shainthra’s tabla solo.

March 11/12: Manish Pingle (slide guitar – Mumbai)

Manish Pingle (slide guitar – Mumbai)
SAT 11 MAR @ Sunnybank Church of Christ Hall

Qld Sangeet Mela Assoc presents an evening of Hindustani classical music featuring slide guitar maestro Manish Pingle, direct from Mumbai.

Programme:
7pm: Hindustani vocal – Mansey Kinarivala Gandhi (harmonium by Joseph Nand, tabla by Pankaj Navlekar)
730pm: Interval – samosas and chai will be served courtesy of Brisbane Indian Times
8pm: Slide Guitar – Manish Pingle (tabla by Shen Flindell)

Ticket bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/CFMNS
Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/605564067997530

Manish Pingle will also perform in a home concert in Buderim on Sunday March 12: https://www.facebook.com/events/571130617879443

BRIEF BIOS:
MANISH PINGLE:
Manish Pingle is a virtuoso Mohan Veena (Indian slide guitar) player from Mumbai and began his tutelage under the late Shri Vishnu Waliwadekar. Manish is now one of the senior disciples of Ustad Shahid Parvez, the famous sitar maestro of Etawah Gharana. Manish has introduced a slight variant to his right hand picking technique to his contemporaries Pt Vishwamohan Bhatt and Debashish Bhattacharya by using index finger and thumb on the main melody strings allowing for a tremendous advantage for speed. He also experimented by adding an extra bass string, which helps him attain an additional half lower octave. Manish has toured regularly throughout the world and recently returned from sold out shows in Denmark, Sweden, and France.

SHEN FLINDELL:
Since being initiated into the Benares Gharana of tabla by one of the great old masters of the style in 1994, Shen Flindell has grown to become one of Australia’s leading tabla players. He is the accompanist of choice for Indian classical artists visiting Brisbane, and performs in several fusion groups including Tibet2Timbuk2 and Spirit of Bhakti. He is best known for his beautiful sound and supportive accompaniment, and has released 6 CDs ranging from Indian classical bansuri to Tibetan world fusion. Shen loves bringing people together to unite through music, whether it’s playing with his many young students or collaborating with top musicians from around the world.

MANSEY GANDHI:
Dr. Mansey Kinarivala Gandhi started learning classical vocal music at the age of 6, from Shri Krishnakant Parikh, disciple of Shri Pandit Jasraj. Completed the degree of Bachelors in Classical Music (Sangeet Visharad) in 1998. Pursued further vocal classical music training with Surmani, Dr Monika Shah in Gujarat, India- Kirana Gharana. Winner of Pandit Omkarnath Thakur Spardha- 2001. Honoured by the Indian Ambassador for a musical performance in Romania-2002. Performed at several other music concerts nationally as well as internationally. Performed at Aakashvani (radio) and Doordarshan (national TV) in India. Performed for several other noble causes- including cancer hospitals, old-aged homes. Interests: Vocal classical music, Bhajans and other devotional songs, Haveli Sangeet, Sugam Sangeet.Dr Mansey Kinarivala is originally from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, now resident in Brisbane, Australia, employed as specialist physician, Gold Coast Hospital. She performed vocal solo at Sangeet Mela 2015.

PANKAJ NAVLEKAR:
Pankaj Navlekar is a Classical Tabla player of the Hindustani (North Indian) style of playing, and has been a resident of Brisbane since 2011. He was introduced to the classical tradition of Tabla playing at a very early age of 10, in his hometown in India. After learning Tabla for 6 years in a local music school in his hometown of Jabalpore, he was introduced to the ‘Gurukul’ tradition of learning under the tutelage of Pandit Gopalrao Wadegaonkar. Pankaj has received training in the Farookhabaad style of Tabla playing – some famous artistes from which include Ustad Amir Hussein Khan and the legendary Ustad Ahmed Jaan Thirakwa. Pankaj calls Brisbane his home and has been a regular performer in Brisbane’s Classical and Semi-Classical music circles and has accompanied vocal and instrumental artists from within Brisbane and overseas.

JOSEPH NAND:
Joseph Abhay Nand is a stalwart participant in the Brisbane Indian classical community. Originally from Fiji, he learnt harmonium from Ustad Mohammed Hussein from Pakistan and Ustad Mehmood Dholpuri from India. He is also accomplished in both tabla and vocal. He learnt tabla from his elder brother Sri Viveka Nand, Ustad Mubarak Khan, Pt Surendra Bhatt and Ustad Hashmat Ali Khan, and learnt vocal from Ustad Ghulam Sadiq Khan. Joseph was a member of the Sangeet Mela organising committee and a regular accompanist for vocal, tabla solo and Kathak dance performances at Sangeet Melas 2014-2017.

Sat 19 Nov Sunnybank: Sahana Banerjee (sitar – Kolkata)

Qld Sangeet Mela Association presents an evening of Hindustani classical music featuring sitar maestro Smt Sahana Banerjee, direct from Kolkata.

Programme:
7pm: Hindustani vocal – Raghunath and Rugved Pawar (tabla by Pankaj Navlekar)
730pm: Interval – samosas and chai will be served courtesy of Brisbane Indian Times
8pm: Sitar – Smt Sahana Banerjee (tabla by Shen Flindell)

Ticket bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/CCTFF
Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/3358069631117584/

Sahana will also give a special Alaap Meditation concert on the morning of Sunday 20th November: https://www.facebook.com/events/522545546540828

And Raga Masterclass in the afternoon of 20th November: https://www.facebook.com/events/5435505753202804

ARTIST BIOS:
SAHANA BANERJEE (SITAR)
Born into a family with a rich musical heritage, Sahana’s ability to display her musical dexterity at the tender age of four, urged the world to accept her as a child prodigy. Sahana is a distinguished performer hailing from the Rampur Senia Gharana, a lineage tracing back to Mian Tansen. Today, she is reckoned amongst the front-ranking, iconic Sitarists of India. Her dedication and hard work have led to her wielding an exceptional command over technicalities, alongside an authentic approach towards her presentations. Additionally, her spiritual inclination inspires her to constantly seek philosophical traits in her music, leaving a strong impact on her audiences across the globe.

Website: http://sahanabanerjee.com/

SHEN FLINDELL (TABLA)
Since being initiated into the Benares Gharana of tabla by one of the great old masters of the style in 1994, Shen Flindell has grown to become one of Australia’s leading tabla players. He is the accompanist of choice for Indian classical artists visiting Brisbane, and performs in several fusion groups including Tibet2Timbuk2 and Spirit of Bhakti. He is best known for his beautiful sound and supportive accompaniment, and has released 6 CDs ranging from Indian classical bansuri to Tibetan world fusion. Shen loves bringing people together to unite through music, whether it’s playing with his many young students or collaborating with top musicians from around the world.

Website: http://ethnosuperlounge.com/shen/

RAGHUNATH and RUGVED PAWAR (VOCAL)
Raghunath is born & brought-up Mumbaikar, started learning from his father since the age of 7, being encouraged after winning an inter-school competition back then and by now performed more than 450+ solo and group shows across the world. He is continuing his classical education from Smt Aparna Gurav and also continues spreading the beauty of Indian classical music through 7-Notes Academy. Rugved is a very passionate musician, having observed his father perform since a very early age. He learnt Tabla for about 8 years. He has been learning classical vocals since the age of 4 and now learns from Smt Aparna Gurav. He also teaches Piano, Tabla and Western drums with 7-Notes. Rugved has performed in various shows in ANZ with local professionals as well as international artists.

PANKAJ NAVLEKAR (TABLA)
Pankaj Navlekar is a Classical Tabla player of the Hindustani (North Indian) style of playing, and has been a resident of Brisbane since 2011. He was introduced to the classical tradition of Tabla playing at a very early age of 10, in his hometown in India. After learning Tabla for 6 years in a local music school in his hometown of Jabalpore, he was introduced to the ‘Gurukul’ tradition of learning under the tutelage of Pandit Gopalrao Wadegaonkar. Pankaj has received training in the Farookhabaad style of Tabla playing – some famous artistes from which include Ustad Amir Hussein Khan and the legendary Ustad Ahmed Jaan Thirakwa. Pankaj calls Brisbane his home and has been a regular performer in Brisbane’s Classical and Semi-Classical music circles and has accompanied vocal and instrumental artists from within Brisbane and overseas.

Sat Jun 18 Nundah: QSMA Indian Classical Concert and 2022 AGM

SATURDAY, 18 JUNE 2022 6PM
Nundah Memorial Hall, 1A Bage St, Nundah

Qld Sangeet Mela Association presents an Indian Classical Concert in conjunction with our 2022 Annual General Meeting. This concert is FREE for members, including anyone who joins from now or on the night! As we have been inactive in the last year, all previous memberships have been extended for the duration of 2022.

A key item on the agenda will be the election of a new executive to take QSMA forward into 2023. 

PROGRAMME:
630pm: Tabla solo by Guhanesh Ganesh, accompanied by Shainthra Birabaharan (harmonium)
650pm: Sitar solo by Sri Saikat Bhattacharya (Melbourne), accompanied by Shen Flindell (tabla)
750pm: Break for tea and snacks
815pm: AGM (members only)

Please note this concert was originally scheduled for June 4 but has been rescheduled with a changed artist lineup. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

BOOKINGS: https://www.trybooking.com/BZDOL
FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/events/974373596613571

AGM OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS:

CONTACT: Shen Flindell 0415106428, shen@ethnosuperlounge.com

ARTIST BIOS:
SAIKAT BHATTACHARYA (Sitar – Melbourne):
Saikat Bhattacharya has been playing the Sitar for over twenty four years. Playing the sitar has been his passion and devotion. His motivation to learn came from his parents more particularly his mother. Saikat’s first teaching began in early nineties under the supervision of his first Guru Pandit Manilal Nag of Calcutta, in India. At present, Saikat is a disciple of Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan. Saikat has made numerous public performances in India and Australia. In Australia, he has regularly performed at the Woodford Folk Festival, Queensland Multicultural Music Festival, Queensland Conservatorium, and several other public and private programs. Saikat’s first Guru – Pandit Manilal Nag, a veteran sitar maestro from Calcutta is a world famous name in the world of Indian classical music. The sitar master is the major living exponent of the Vishnupur gharana, a school of classical Indian music coming from the ancient dhrupad style of the aalap, the base of the North Indian ragas. Saikat’s current Guru: Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan descends from six generations of sitarists. He is one of the leading exponents of the Etawah Gharana, a musical tradition or “family” committed to this most famous of Indian instruments. He was trained by his father and guru, Ustad Aziz Khan. For Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan, the Sitar and Self are identical entities, and music is not just a discipline but life itself – vibrating and pulsating and full of colour.

SHEN FLINDELL:
Since being initiated into the Benares Gharana of tabla by one of the great old masters of the style in 1994, Shen Flindell has grown to become one of Australia’s leading tabla players. He is the accompanist of choice for Indian classical artists visiting Brisbane, and performs in several fusion groups including Tibet2Timbuk2 and Spirit of Bhakti. He is best known for his beautiful sound and supportive accompaniment, and has released 6 CDs ranging from Indian classical bansuri to Tibetan world fusion. Shen loves bringing people together to unite through music, whether it’s playing with his many young students or collaborating with top musicians from around the world.
Website: http://ethnosuperlounge.com/shen/

GUHANESH GANESH:
Guhanesh is one of the senior students of Shen Flindell. He recently completed his PRSSV Grade 7 tabla exam, and is the 2022 recipient of the Ashu Babu Memorial Tabla School Scholarship. Currently 16 years old, Guhanesh is very excited about his future in tabla.

SHAINTHRA BIRABAHARAN:
Shainthra is one of the senior tabla students of Shen Flindell. At this concert he will be giving harmonium accompaniment for Guhanesh’s tabla solo.

Sat Apr 10: Sarad Sangeet – Indian Classical Sitar and Vocal Concert

SATURDAY 10TH APRIL 7PM
FINNISH HALL (62 Newnham Rd, Mount Gravatt East)

Qld Sangeet Mela Association continues our series of mini Sangeet Melas, this time celebrating the shift to autumn (“sarad”) with Indian classical vocal by Mansey Kinarivala and sitar by Scott Benning (Sydney), accompaniment by Joseph Nand (harmonium) and Shen Flindell (tabla).Doors open 630pm. Concert starts 7pm sharp.

QSMA Members please enter the promo code “QSMA” to receive $5 discount on each ticket. Visit www.sangeetmela.org for more information on becoming a member.

BOOKINGS: www.trybooking.com/BPSIW
FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE: www.facebook.com/events/124000989615940

ARTIST BIOS:
SCOTT BENNING (Sitar – Sydney)
Scott Benning completed a degree in North Indian Classical Music at CODARTS (Rotterdam Conservatorium) in the Netherlands. Here he studied under Indian sitar master, Pandit Budhaditya Mukherjee and Siddharth Kishna. Since returning to Australia in 2004, Scott has continued to make annual study trips to India where he has also studied with Ustad Imrat Khan and Subhranil Sarkar – student of Ustad Shahid Parvez. Scott has taught and performed in Australia, India and Europe.

MANSEY KINARIVALA (Vocal)
Dr. Mansey Kinarivala started learning classical vocal music at the age of 6, from Shri Krishnakant Parikh, disciple of Shri Pandit Jasraj. Completed the degree of Bachelors in Classical Music (Sangeet Visharad) in 1998. Pursued further vocal classical music training with Surmani, Dr Monika Shah in Gujarat, India- Kirana Gharana. Winner of Pandit Omkarnath Thakur Spardha- 2001. Honoured by the Indian Ambassador for a musical performance in Romania-2002. Performed at several other music concerts nationally as well as internationally. Performed at Aakashvani (radio) and Doordarshan (national TV) in India. Performed for several other noble causes- including cancer hospitals, old-aged homes. Interests: Vocal classical music, Bhajans and other devotional songs, Haveli Sangeet, Sugam Sangeet.Dr Mansey Kinarivala is originally from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, now resident in Brisbane, Australia, employed as specialist physician, Gold Coast Hospital. She performed vocal solo at Sangeet Mela 2015.

JOSEPH NAND (Harmonium)
Joseph Abhay Nand is a stalwart participant in the Brisbane Indian classical community. Originally from Fiji, he learnt harmonium from Ustad Mohammed Hussein from Pakistan and Ustad Mehmood Dholpuri from India. He is also accomplished in both tabla and vocal. He learnt tabla from his elder brother Sri Viveka Nand, Ustad Mubarak Khan, Pt Surendra Bhatt and Ustad Hashmat Ali Khan, and learnt vocal from Ustad Ghulam Sadiq Khan. Joseph was a member of the Sangeet Mela organising committee and a regular accompanist for vocal, tabla solo and Kathak dance performances at Sangeet Melas 2014-2017.

SHEN FLINDELL:
Since being initiated into the Benares Gharana of tabla by one of the great old masters of the style in 1994, Shen Flindell has grown to become one of Australia’s leading tabla players. He is the accompanist of choice for Indian classical artists visiting Brisbane, and performs in several fusion groups including Tibet2Timbuk2 and Spirit of Bhakti. He is best known for his beautiful sound and supportive accompaniment, and has released 6 CDs ranging from Indian classical bansuri to Tibetan world fusion. Shen loves bringing people together to unite through music, whether it’s playing with his many young students or collaborating with top musicians from around the world.
Website: http://ethnosuperlounge.com/shen/

Sat Feb 27: QSMA Indian Classical Concert and AGM

Qld Sangeet Mela Association presents an Indian Classical Concert in conjunction with our first Annual General Meeting. This concert is FREE for members, including anyone who joins from now or on the night!

PROGRAMME:
630pm: Tabla solo by Arun Pillai, accompanied by Nikhil Deo (harmonium)
650pm: Bansuri solo by Darshil Shah, accompanied by Shen Flindell (tabla)
730pm: Break for tea and snacks
8pm: AGM (members only)

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL:
https://www.trybooking.com/BONBM
(You can purchase tickets for the concert, or for just $5 extra get annual membership. Current members are also requested to book their free ticket via this link.)

CONTACT:
Shen Flindell: 0415106428, shen@sangeetmela.org

SHARE THIS EVENT ON FACEBOOK

AGM OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS:

ARTIST BIOS:
DARSHIL SHAH:
Financial Advisor by the day and Musician by heart, Darshil has been learning and playing Bansuri since 2002. Based in Brisbane, Australia since 2009, Darshil has a dream of passing on the legacy of the Ancient Indian Classical Music to cross-cultural communities and next generation of musicians. Born and brought up in Mumbai, he has had the privilege of learning music from some of the best Bansuri Players from Maihar Gharana (Lineage). Darshil was a featured artist at Sangeet Mela 2019.
Website: https://www.bamboomagic8.com/

SHEN FLINDELL:
Since being initiated into the Benares Gharana of tabla by one of the great old masters of the style in 1994, Shen Flindell has grown to become one of Australia’s leading tabla players. He is the accompanist of choice for Indian classical artists visiting Brisbane, and performs in several fusion groups including Tibet2Timbuk2 and Spirit of Bhakti. He is best known for his beautiful sound and supportive accompaniment, and has released 6 CDs ranging from Indian classical bansuri to Tibetan world fusion. Shen loves bringing people together to unite through music, whether it’s playing with his many young students or collaborating with top musicians from around the world.
Website: http://ethnosuperlounge.com/shen/

ARUN PILLAI:
Arun is one of the senior students of Shen Flindell. He recently completed his PRSSV Grade 8 tabla exam, and is the recipient of the inaugural Ashu Babu Memorial Tabla School Scholarship. Currently 15 years old, Arun is very excited about his future in tabla.

NIKHIL DEO:
Nikhil Deo is currently undertaking his Bachelor of Music degree at the Conservatorium of Music, Griffith University under Graeme Jennings on Viola and Mattias Lower in Opera. He found his passion for music through studying harmonium and tabla at the age of 5, studying with his father. He later went on to study tabla under Shen Flindell, completing his 6th Grade PRSSV exam in 2013. He then found his base in Western Classical music, performing in various orchestras around Brisbane. He has also conducted Queensland Youth Orchestra 2, Young Conservatorium String Orchestra and various small projects with Griffith University. Nikhil now enjoys a life as a performer in both Indian and Western classical music.

Fri Mar 13: “Master Musicians of Kolkata” QSMA Launch

The main event of 2020 for Brisbane’s Indian classical music lovers: Two of the finest instrumentalists in India, Pt Sugato Nag (sitar) and Pt Abhijit Banerjee (tabla), Master Musicians of Kolkata, present their art at Queensland Multicultural Centre.

This is the launch concert for Queensland Sangeet Mela Association (QSMA), dedicated to fostering high quality Indian classical music in Queensland, from the team that brought you Sangeet Mela, Australia’s premiere Indian classical event from 2014-2019.

Purchase annual membership of QSMA with your pre-booked concert ticket and save $5.

Tickets: trybooking.com/BICKB
Contact: Shen 0415106428, shen@ethnosuperlounge.com

FB Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/180066606681753/

TABLA AND SITAR WORKSHOPS ON SAT 14 MAR: Contact Shen for details.

ARTIST BIOS:

Pt Sugato Nag (sitar)

PT SUGATO NAG – SITAR
Born in an elite, educated and highly cultured family of Bengal, Sugato Nag is fast emerging as one of the finest sitar virtuosi of the present generation. In today’s fast-changing world of Indian classical music, Sugato represents a dwindling populace of learned musicians, having had systematic taleem from some of the most respected purists of this art.

Playing in the style of the Etawah and Senia-Shahjahanpore gharanas, Sugato has expertly blended the intricacies of the Sitar baj of the Etawah gharana and the Rabab-based Sarod baj of the Senia Shahjahanpore gharana. A very melodious and sensitive player, Sugato’s imaginative synthesis of the gayaki style and intricate bolwork patterns of the Sarod through skillful improvisations have resulted in a style which is unique.

Pt Abhijit Banerjee (tabla)

PT ABHIJIT BANERJEE – TABLA
Considered among the top class of tabla players from India, Abhijit Banerjee is one of the most sought after creative artists in the realm of Indian classical music. Abhijit has crafted a unique style and creative approach which has brought him accolades and awards throughout the world. He is known for his sensitivity, skill and deep sense of musicality. Apart from his contributions to Indian music he has delved into a diverse variety of world music crossover as both a performer and composer.

Recognizing his talent and natural inclination towards music his father steered him to tabla at the age of four. Abhijit also studied vocal music and violin later in his life in making a complete musician out of him. He is considered as one of the main disciples of the illustrious guru, the late Pt. Gyan Prakash Ghosh.

Abhijit has accompaniment on tabla nearly all of the top ranking stars of Hindustani classical music including Pt.Ravi Shankar, Late Pt.Nikhil Banerjee, Begum Parweena Sultana, Pt.Jasraj, Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma, Dr.Balamurali Krishnan to name a few. As a tabla soloist he has also left his distinct mark through numerous performances and publications in India & abroad.