Composed by Pandit Kashinath Bodas (1935-1995) on praise of Omkar

Sahasrabuddhe delivers this concert with the indelible imprint of the Gwalior and Jaipur gharanas while her taankari (rapid notes) have underlying shades of Kirana gharana.

Veena Sahasrabuddhe (1948-2016) was an esteemed Hindustani classical vocalist. Her unique style drew mainly from Gwalior gharana with strong influence of Kirana and Jaipur gharanas. Her university degree in Literature and Vocal Performance too contributed to her singing style which has been showcased on over 40 albums throughout her lifetime. She found ample time to teach despite a successful performance career, demonstrating Indian music to school children and serious students alike.

Precise, powerful and intricately funky, Sanju ‘Vishnu’ Sahai embodies the Benares tabla gharana. He was born into rhythm as the sixth generation of his family’s illustrious rhythm lineage. He is mindful of diluting classical tabla styles, but this has not stopped him taking them into a breathtaking array of contexts. Alongside accompanying top Hindustani musicians, he has collaborated with artists spanning

flamenco and jazz to opera and Gregorian chant. He has played in schools and prisons as well as for the Queen and tutors table at SOAS in London. Today, he lives in the UK and travels the globe as a star accompanist and soloist.

Tofail Ahmed was born in Bangladesh. He started learning music at a very early age. Eventually, he won an ICCR scholarship that took him to Delhi where he has studied under Pandit Birju Maharaj, Pandit Jaikishan Maharaj, Shobha Gurtu, Pandit Rajan – Sajan Mishra, Pandit Madhup Mudgal et al. He currently lives in London and has a busy schedule as a teacher and performer.

Musicians:
Veena Sahasrabuddhe (vocal)
Sanju Sahai (tabla)
Tofail Ahmed (harmonium)
Priya Parkash (tanpura)
Shobhana Patel (tanpura)