A concert of traditional Indian classical music

Koyel Dasgupta Naha is a renowned Indian musician, composer and teacher of classical music forms (styles) of singing that are deeply rooted in the folk and poetry-based Ragas that represent the ancient era of the Indian classical music traditions. As a child, with her extraordinary talent for music and rhythm, she was quickly exposed to the rich classical music tradition of India. She was educated with the utmost attention and devotion following a strict systematic study called Talim, which requires from the student dedication, discipline, love and devotion to daily practice (Riaz). Through traditional compositions (Bandishes), vocal techniques and finer technical aspects, she gradually became familiar with the abstract beauty of Raga. Today, Koyel boasts one of the finest voices of the current generation of classical Indian vocalists. She is known and popular all over India, where she has been performing for over 25 years. She has participated in all major music festivals in India organised by the Ministry of Culture of India, National Radio and Television, National Center for Performing Arts and is a member of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). For her performances, she received many awards and accolades from all over the world. Her musical greatness is also confirmed by the award of the President of the country for her contribution to the traditional Indian classical music.

Abir Naha is a renowned Indian classical flutist, an open-minded musical virtuoso, who performs at many music conferences. He comes from the musical tradition of the bansuri flute, a cultural symbol deeply rooted in Indian spirituality, whose melodic expressions in Indian classical music are regarded as a form of spiritual exploration. Abir is appreciated by music enthusiasts and critics alike. He is characterised by a rich and varied repertoire, ranging from pure classical to experimental fusion. His performance of ragas is characterised by imaginative, evocative and breathtaking interpretations and improvisations that exude serenity, contemplation and introspection. Abir impresses with refined tonal grace, rhythmic elegance and deep yet clear expression. He imperceptibly combines his devotion to music and musical skill with the aesthetic demands of his tradition. Through rigorous practice, dedicated engagement and sophisticated presentations, he has embraced the pure, beautiful and dignified elements of Indian classical music and has mastered its complex grammar, discipline and subtlety that derive from this rich heritage. He proves time and time again that he strives for excellence and refinement of this high art, also through teaching.

»The essence of a raga is deeply rooted in spirituality and nature. It means - »That which colors your mind«. Indian music is not for mere entertainment - practicing music is a path to salvation in this ancient tradition. Years of training and teacher's blessings set the Artist's soul free from the bondage of conscious control as she earns to submit herself unconditionally to the music in complete and absolute terms. And then music flows effortlessly as if in its own will from some supreme power. The Artist transcends to mere medium - as the one chosen by the music, and enjoys ecstatic happiness. She becomes the first audience of her own music.« Abir Naha

Ashis Paul started learning to play the tabla at the age of five, and for the past 30 years he has been creating under the guidance of Anindo Chatterjee, who is also called the tabla wizard. Ashis performs as a soloist or as an accompanist at home and around the world: in Europe, USA, Australia, Japan and South Africa.