Simona Smirnova & Galen Passen

Join us for an evening featuring an authentic blend of North Indian Classical music mixed with Eastern European folk melodies. The unusual combination of traditions is represented by the sound of two instruments: the Indian sitar and the Lithuanian kanklės. Folk Rebels: Simona Smirnova (kanklės) and Galen Passen (sitar) form a duo creating original music that celebrates two musical traditions through life experiences, improvisation and innovation.
Simona Smirnova is a Lithuanian born vocalist, composer and kanklės player based in New York City. A global ambassador for the Lithuanian national instrument kanklės, she is currently the only professional kanklės player in the United States! Simona performs locally and internationally with her band and as a solo artist. A member of the Grammy Recording Academy, Simona is an active member of New York's musician community and the owner of her school "Simona School of Music."
Galen Passen is a sitarist, composer, and visual artist based in Brooklyn, NYC. He performs Hindustani classical music, cross-cultural collaborations, and collaborates with dancers and choreographers. He has had the privilege of performing at such prestigious venues as Carnegie Hall, Chhandayan Center for Indian Music, and Pioneer Works and alongside artists such as The Pittsburgh Opera, Brooklyn Raga Massive, Korean Piri master, Gamin Kang. and many more.

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