Indian Music and Culture In-Person
Join us for a captivating musical adventure that will transport you to the enchanting world of North Indian Classical and Folk Music! This engaging program is designed to introduce both children and adults to the mesmerizing rhythms, captivating melodies, and the rich cultural tapestry of India. Explore the Guru-Shishya parampara, a tradition of musical mentorship, and gain insights into the discipline, clothing, and food that are integral parts of Indian musical traditions. This program is perfect for music enthusiasts of all ages, whether you're a curious child or an adult with a passion for cultural exploration. No prior musical experience is required. No registration required.
This program will have different Raga (music) and traditional dance from the October 9, 2023 event.
This program is sponsored by the Saratoga Springs Public Library in partnership with Saratoga Arts. Saratoga Arts made this program possible through the Community Arts Regrant Program, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
VEENA CHANDRA is an internationally renowned sitarist, composer, teacher and choreographer. She is the founder and director of the Dance and Music School of India in Latham, NY (celebrating 37 years) where she teaches Indian classical music. She has been a faculty member at Skidmore College since 1990, teaching sitar in the Music Department. Since, 2014 she is also the Artist Associate in Sitar at Williams College (MA).
DEVESH CHANDRA has been learning the Tabla since the age of 3. He learned Indian Classical Music by accompanying his mother, renowned Sitar exponent Veena Chandra. Devesh, the youngest of six children, grew up immersed in an environment of music. His first spoken words were Dha Dha Tita, syllables of the tabla. In addition to traditional performances he has collaborated and worked with musicians across a broad range of musical genres from Western Folk and Western Classical to Flamenco and Jazz as well as Latin Music, Japanese Taiko and different African music traditions. Devesh's innovative and imaginative approach makes his performances enthralling to both Western listeners and Indian classical purists. His approach to the tabla is the confluence of all the unique influences of his upbringing. Devesh believes the tabla has the rare ability, as a percussion instrument, to very accurately convey a wide range of emotions.