Rageshree Music Institute (RMI) presents…
“Advanced Fundamentals of North Indian Classical Music Demystified“
A Workshop-Practicum/Concert
with
Amit Chatterjee (Sitar) and Polash Gomes (Tabla)
Topics to be covered with demonstrations and handouts
Refreshments will be served during breaks – Authentic Indian Chai and Snacks
The lost knowledge of raga – raga and taal (rhythm) unraveled and explained in a clear and easy way and as never heard before- the topics of shrutis (microtones) will be discussed and myths/folklore dispelled as well as an introduction to their application and proper usage with full demonstrations. The foundation of rhythm as seen from a tabla players point of view will be explained and demonstrated as well.
The system of North Indian Scales – Thaat vs. the Grama system and their practical usage: Understand their limitations and benefits in very practical ways. Demonstrations will be given.
Forgotten Essentials for learning raga and mastering the understanding of Hindustani music: Learn easy and very practical steps, usually never taught, to better connect and understand raga and taal.
The influences of language on learning and expressing music : Often not a subject of discussion or consideration, however, language is one of the most influential aspects of our lives and shapes our music in profound ways.
Questions: Amit will be available to answer specific questions about anything relating to music.
Intermission and refreshments (45 min) : and individual discussions with the musicians as well as the arrival of concert goers
Concert: Amit and Polash will provide an authentic performance of Raga and Dhun (folk music) in the traditional and intimate house program setting. The concert will be about 1.5 hours.
About the Musicians:
AMIT CHATTERJEE
Amit Chatterjee is a unique instrumentalist and vocalist who is equally at home in the field of different types of Western musics as well as pure North Indian Classical Music. Recognized as a virtuoso guitarist in the field of international jazz-fusion for having played with such luminaries as (among many others) keyboard legend Joe Zawinul (from 1993-2004), saxophonist David Liebman, virtuoso pianist and pianist Michael Wolff, as well as crossing over into Indo-fusion with master world-musicians such as Pete Lockett, Sanju Sahai and Glen Velez, Amit has also continued a parallel course in his career as a sitarist of North Indian (Hindusthani) Classical Music. Besides his extensive recorded repertoire in the “non-Indian” field, he has released five CDs of Hindusthani Classical music, the latest being an album of alaps only, “Fragile Moments.” 
Having studied and performed equally extensively in the Hindusthani system of Raga and Tala, and European/American harmonic musics, he is not only able to cross over seamlessly in his playing and teaching, but remain authentic and true to the rules of either field as well. In the case of Indian Classical Music, his performances and workshops DO NOT cross over, as they do in the cases of his guitar work. However, musicians from the West can have the benefit of his ability to analyze and explain the art of Hindusthani Music using Western terminology and references where possible.
Amit’s Indian Music gurus were his mother, Mrs. Manju Chatterjee of the Patiala and Vishnupur gharanas, Amit Adiecha and others, but his playing is most influenced by the great maestro of the Mewat gharana, Sitar Samrat Ustad Rais Khan.
Currently, Amit Chatterjee continues performing and recording internationally both as Hindusthani sitarist and jazz-fusion guitarist, as a soloist, special guest with other artists, and with his two bands, “Amit Chatterjee Alliance” and “Saninde.”
Selected Discography
- Accidental Kiss – Endless Radiance Records – the premier release of the The Amit Chatterjee Alliance ( 2008 )
- Fragile Moments – Rageshree Music Institute – Indian Classical Music on sitar
- Ocean on Fire – Endless Radiance Records – with Tomas Reindl – percussion, Vojtech Havel – cello, Gabi Vermilho – violin and voice, Irena Havel – cink ( 2006 )
- When Worlds Collide – Tetrad ( 1997 ) – with Randy Crafton – percussion, Jorge Alfano – bass and flutes, Gabriela Anders and Mark Johnson – backing vocals
- Colors of the Heart – Ellipsis Arts ( 1998 ) – Indian Classical Music on sitar and voice
- Empathy – with Polash Gomes – tabla (Indian Classical Music) – Rageshree ( 1992 )
- Songs of Kabir – Interworld Music ( 1993 ) – with Glen Velez on percussion and Eva Atsalis on violin and keyboards
– Amit Chatterjee @ MySpace
– Amit Chatterjee’s official website
POLASH GOMES
Polash Gomes born in a Bengali Catholic family in Kolkata, India. He is an accomplished tabla player in New York area. He follows the line of the distinguished Lucknow baj a disciple of Dr. Mrinal Pal. He has also studied tabla under Pandit Swapan Chaudhri. He has performed for the United Nations, Brooklyn Museum, Ruben Museum, Asia Society-NY, Columbia University, Bucknell University, Brooklyn County College, and more…
Polash Gomes is the founder of Rageshree Music Institute, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the dissemination of Indian Music in the West.
! Please RSVP due to very limited space !
Event Details:
Date: Sunday February 8th:
Time: Workshop/Practicum: 1PM | Concert: 4PM
Cost: Workshop/Practicum $30 | Concert $20 | Both: $50
Location: 2529 33rd Street, Astoria (queens), NY 11102, 2nd Floor.
Subway (super easy): N/W trains to Astoria Blvd (NOT Astoria Ditmars), look for Burger King from platform, walk right at 33rd Street, house is on the right hand side at 25-29 on 33rd St, just ¼ of a block down from Burger King.
Refer Questions to Joshua Hajicek 917-597-9820 or jhajicek@gmail.com
Please visit www.rageshreemusic.com
The Rageshree Music Institute (RMI) was founded in 1991 to help preserve, present and further the ongoing and timeless growth in Indian classical music. It is the aim of RMI to help foster these magnificent art form to their greatest capacity without sacrificing integrity in the very receptive American culture. The RMI is a not-for profit organization and is dependent on the proceeds from concerts and sales of Cd’s and cassettes and also upon the contributions of the members of the institute.
Rageshree Music Institute Inc.
40-29 48th St.
Sunnyside, NY 11104 U.S.A.
( 718 ) 672-3211 or e-mail: rageshreemusic@yahoo.com (or info@rageshreemusic.com)
IMC - India meets Classic presents ... 