Multi-award winning 5th generation, ‘maverick’ sitar player Niladri Kumar and tabla player Vijay Ghate, visited South Africa for a two-city concert tour of Indian classical music, titled Raga Ecstasy.
They delivered an exceptional performance at The Baxter Concert Hall in Cape Town on 29 July, before heading to The Lyric Theatre in Johannesburg for a show on 30 July, 2017. Their Cape Town concert was a totally impressive display of technical virtuosity enhanced by a profound, playful and emotive embrace of the muse. Together the pair present an exhilarating fusion of classical and contemporary music. Whether you’re a devoted fan of Indian classical music (ICM), or new to the genre, the duo’s improvised forays make for alluring listening.
Innovative instrumentalist
After gaining a profound understanding of ICM – he began playing at the age of four under the tutelage of his father – Niladri Kumar has gone on to revolutionize sitar playing, making it uniquely his own. His non-traditional use of the instrument, makes his music as appealing to the youth, as it is to long-term aficionados – ensuring sold out venues wherever he plays.
Niladri played his first public performance at the age of six, (at Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry). He was a part of the Masters of the Percussion tour alongside tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain and has also worked with Jonas Hellborg and V. Selvaganesh on their album Kali’s Son, and with John McLaughlin on his album Floating Point.
He has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the MTV Immies award for the Best Classical/Fusion Instrumental for his album If.
The sitar is a dynamic instrument and in Niladri’s hands, expands on tradition without losing the roots from which it springs. His specific nuances have garnered him recognition from critics and fans the world over.
Niladri’s vision is summarized through his brand – “Stay UPRooted”. His music is inviting, explosive and yet introspective.
Ravi Coltrane and Egberto Gismonti
Joining Nildari on the South African tour was Vijay Ghate, who began his own journey with the tabla aged three. Starting out beating empty tin boxes at two-and-a-half, Vijay’s fascination has developed into an insatiable passion for this ancient percussion instrument that is such a crucial part of the musical storytelling.
Also holding multiple awards and recognition, Vijay regularly accompanies music maestros in India and abroad. He also visited South Africa with Deepak Pandit in March, 2017. He is one of the few tabla players proficient in accompanying instrumental, vocal, and dance music. His fusion collaborations have included Jethro Tull, George Duke, Al Jarreau , Ravi Coltrane, Egberto Gismonti, Larry Coryell, and George Brooks.
Who: Niladri Kumar, Vijay Ghate
What: Raga Ecstasy
Where, when:
Cape Town – Sat, 29 July 2017, Baxter Concert Hall, 7.30pm
Johannesburg – Sun, 30 July 2017, Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City, 5pm
Social media: Facebook: InnerCircleEntertainment, Twitter: InnerCircleLive #RagaEcstasy
WS
