Citi NCPA Aadi Anant: Kashmir to Kanyakumari

Kashmir to Kanyakumari featuring Rahul Sharma (santoor) with Ojas Adhiya (tabla), Girdhar Udupa (ghatam) and Avinash Chandrachud (keyboards).

Santoor, originally a stringed instrument from the folk tradition of Kashmir Valley, is now a well-established instrument, not only in the field of art (classical) music but also in the world-music arena. Son and disciple of the legendary santoor maestro Shiv Kumar Sharma, Rahul Sharma is an heir apparent to the rich legacy of his father. With more than 75 albums and cross-cultural collaborations with world-renowned musicians like Kenny G, Deep Forest, Richard Clayderman and such others to his credit, he has emerged not just as a maestro of his generation but also as an innovator taking the santoor into different genres, including Western symphony.

In this presentation, he will explore the north-south bridge of Hindustani-Carnatic music. Besides showcasing some Hindustani ragas, the presentation will also feature ragas from the Carnatic tradition popularised on santoor by his father-guru. Additionally, folk melodies like Pahadi will be presented on a soundscape of keyboards and percussion instruments like tabla and ghatam, representing Hindustani and Carnatic traditions respectively. A visual backdrop featuring engaging images will add to the multi-sensory experience of traversing across India from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.