Rayatt performs a thunderous solo in a 16-beat cycle (teentaal) keeping the temperament predisposed to highlighting the richness of the compositions and tukdas in between. There is consistency in his restrained but powerful playing throughout the concert. As he delivers one after the other composition, you will have something new to look forward to, which is amply fulfilled by this young and one of the finest tabla players of his generation. Chinmay Kolhatkar gives melodious nagma accompaniment on the harmonium.

Gurdain Rayatt is one of Europe’s finest young tabla players. His style incorporates a vast expanse of ideas from the Punjab, Benares and Farrukhabad gharanas. He trained under his father Harkirat and grandfather Bhai Gurmeet Singh Ji Virdee, in whose memory Darbar was founded. He went on to take further instruction from Shankar Ghosh and his son Bickram, and moved to Kolkata for a year to refine his style. Today he has a busy and varied schedule, accompanying UK-visiting artists including Shahid Parvez and playing with fusion groups. Other projects include frequent BBC appearances and working with the UK Philharmonia Orchestra. Rayatt also has two bachelor’s degrees, in English with Film and Music with Composition.

Kolhatkar is a versatile musician who received his initial training from Shri Rajprasad Dharmadhikari, Kolhapur, and now is under the tutelage of famous harmonium maestro of India, Dr. Shri Arvind Thatte. He is an Electronics Engineer who took up music as a full-time career. Chinmay is taking training from Shri Rajendra Manerikar in vocal music.

Gurdain Rayatt (tabla)
Chinmay Kolhatkar (harmonium)
Tabla solo in teentaal