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.