DESI DIARY
AN EVENING OF INDIAN CLASSICAL PIANO AND SANTOOR
Suranjali Canada, a Toronto-based non-profit dedicated to promoting Indian classical music since 2018, presents a rare double bill featuring two husband-and-wife artiste duos performing Hindustani classical music.
The centrepiece of this East-meets-West artistic fusion is pianist Sonali Ray performing classical ragas on the grand piano – a Western concert instrument almost never used in Indian classical performance – accompanied by Anjan Ghosh on the tabla. She’s joined on the bill by santoor artiste Kamaljeet Ahluwalia, accompanied by Jas Ahluwalia on the tabla.
Sonali Ray, founder and president of Suranjali Canada, trained in Hindustani classical vocal music under Late Pandit Chinmay Lahiri, Vidushi Dalia Rahut and Dr. Vinay Bhide, and in Western classical piano under Prof. Stanley Kruczynski. She has developed a rare artistry: Indian classical ragas on the grand piano, and has performed across India, the UK, the USA and Canada, and has taught vocal music for over twenty years.
Anjan Ghosh is the co-founder and director of Suranjali Canada. Groomed in the Farukabad, Delhi and Lucknow gharanas under his father, Sri Baidyanath Ghosh, he brings decades of devotion to the tabla alongside a career in business and technology.
Kamaljeet Ahluwalia walks an innovative path on the santoor, a rare and exquisite hammered dulcimer/zither. Her performances invite audiences on an emotional and spiritual journey, exploring vast, sublime melodies and intricate rhythmic patterns that build to an energy-filled crescendo. Kamaljeet began her training at the age of seven under Sitar Maestro Dharambir Singh (MBE). She furthered her studies with Santoor Maestro Harjinderpal Singh, with her most transformative learning coming from her time under the late Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, whose teachings deeply shaped her artistry. Kamaljeet now humbly works to carry on his legacy through her performances and dedication to the santoor.
Jas Ahluwalia studied the tabla under the world-renowned Ustad Tari Khan. The tabla is a pair of hand-played drums known for its versatility in both melody and rhythm, capable of producing a wide range of tones that bring a unique depth to any composition. Jas' deep understanding of rhythm and thoughtful accompaniment elevates every performance, bringing emotional depth and intelligence to each piece.
When and where: Sunday, August 2, 6 pm at York Woods Library Theatre, 1785 Finch Avenue West, Toronto.
Tickets: Here.
