Alwan for the Arts presents:

Pandit Samar Saha, Tabla
Andrew Shantz, Harmonium

Tickets: $15; available at the door or online here: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8403816

This concert will feature tabla solo by Pandit Samar Saha with harmonium accompaniment by Andrew Shantz. Mr. Saha's tabla performances feature intricate rhythmic improvisations based on a deep repertoire of compositions from many schools of tabla including his primary lineage, the Benaras Gharana. A short opening set of piano - tabla duets will include original compositions by Mr. Shantz developed from his explorations of Indian and American improvisatory music.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS:

PANDIT SAMAR SAHA has been long established as one of India's preeminent tabla players. He is an influential soloist, sought after accompanist, beloved guru and distinguished exponent of the Benares tradition of tabla.Mr. Saha draws on a deep and diverse repertoire of compositions to fuel his improvisation. In 2005 Mr. Saha released Follower, an album of tabla solo music.

Mr. Saha has toured extensively in North America and Europe both under his own name and as a faculty member of the ITC Sangeet Research Academy –where he has taught since its inception. He performed with Ud. Rais Khan at London’s Royal Albert Hall and was a part of the festivities held at Carnegie Hall in New York to celebrate the 50th anniversary of India’s Independence, among other prestigious venues.

ANDREW SHANTZ is an emerging keyboard improviser, vocalist and composer with a background in Jazz and an appetite for musical exploration. Since graduating from William Paterson University in 2003 with a B.M. in Jazz Studies Andrew has continued to develop his musical skill and vocabulary and in 2006 began studies of Hindustani classical music in Kolkata, India with Pandit Samar Saha and Shrimati Madhumita Saha. This year Andrew debuted his group Colors of Tarab at Alwan for the Arts in a concert featuring traditional pieces and original compositions combining elements of Indian and Arabic music and Jazz improvisation.

Last updated: 2009-09-22 19:28:38