SPOTLIGHT

VIOLINIST L.SHANKAR TO PERFORM AT ISHQ FESTIVAL 2026

Renowned violinist, vocalist and composer L.Shankar will ber performing in Toronto this month.

Small World Music presents violinist, vocalist and composer L. Shankar in concert on Sunday, November 22, 2026 at 8:00 pm at Annabel's Music Hall, as part of Ishq Festival 2026. Shankar will be joined by three leading percussionists for an evening of South Indian classical music.

Shankar is renowned for his mastery of Ragam Tanam Pallavi, one of the most demanding forms in Carnatic music, and it sits at the heart of this program. Over a career of international touring and recording, he has collaborated with Zakir Hussain, Jan Garbarek, Sting, Peter Gabriel and Madonna. His work on Peter Gabriel's Passion and the Secret World Live tours introduced audiences worldwide to his 10-string stereophonic double violin. The New York Times has called his work "music with substance and heart."

On stage with Shankar:

• V. Selvaganesh: mridangam, kanjira, konakkol

• Amit Kavthekar: tabla

• Swaminathan Selvaganesh: kanjira, konakkol

The ensemble combines South and North Indian rhythmic traditions. The program features long violin passages, vocals, and improvised rhythmic exchanges between the musicians.

Small World Music is a Toronto-based presenter of music from around the world. Ishq Festival 2026 is supported by the Government of Canada, Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, Province of Ontario and Toronto Arts Council.

Contact: ticketing@admitone.com , (+1) 416 536 5439 Small World Music, 180 Shaw Street, Unit 305, Toronto, ON M6J 2W5

When and where

Sunday, November 22, 2026, 8:00 pm at Annabel's Music Hall, 200 Princes' Boulevard, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3. Tickets at admitone.com/events/l-shankar-toronto-170882. Ages: All ages; minors must be accompanied by an adult.