Experience the pure sound of tabla and the intensity of Indian rhythms in this second installment of the intimate concert series with the Toronto Tabla Ensemble. This Juno-nominated group led by tabla maestro, Ritesh Das, has released five albums that have brought tabla into mainstream Canadian music. The Ensemble has flaunted the versatility of the tabla through successful cross-cultural collaborations with Spanish Flamenco, Japanese Taiko, and even Canadian rock 'n' roll.
However following up from the series' launch in April, Ritesh Das has come full circle and gone back to the traditional form focusing on the pure sound of tabla. With the next generation of Ensemble members, Das has composed a range of new pieces that focus on the qualities of the instrument itself and the intricacies of the North Indian classical system. The intimate concerts, Das says, will almost be like a living room setting, where everyone participates by being completely engaged with the music.
Opening the show will be singer and songwriter, Mitali Baruah Sarma. Mitalitrained as a Hindustani Classical vocalist at Visva Bharati University, one of Indias finest centers for the arts. Moving to Toronto in 2001,Mitaliwas deeply inspired by Canadas natural beauty and soon transitioned into a prolific songwriter. The subject of her songs are quintessentially Canadian yet her lyrics are in Assamese and her music is essentially Indian. She has recently released an album of her own creations titledJawo Kon Dexoloi.
For tickets, visit www.torontotabla.com/events or call 1-888-95-TABLA, Tickets $20 and $15 for students.
