By Aruna Rao
Indian Percussion ensemble in Princeton
Opening Kathak performance by Jin Won
For Immediate Release
(732) 715-6546
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http://taalim.com/
Globe-trotting percussion ensemble Talavya brings a dynamism to the art of tabla, infusing it with the power of rock drumming while respecting the ethos and tradition of the classical art form. Composed by Pandit Divyang Vakil, playing in perfect synchronization, the ensemble distills the spirit of tabla into a high-energy performance and demonstrates how the drum is truly capable of anything. It is rhythmic journey not to be missed.
Ambassadors for Indian percussion, Talavya has shared the stage with artists such as Mickey Hart (of the Grateful Dead), Shakura S’Aida, Sidi Toure and Cuban Fire.
The tabla can playfully mimic a cricket bowler’s moves or capture the sensual arc of deer’s leap. Now a familiar sound in the West thanks to maestros like Zakir Hussain, this essential Indian classical instrument was traditionally on the sidelines, its emotional power harnessed to support other performers.
Tabla now comes center stage in the hands of the young, highly trained players of Talavya, an ensemble that brings dynamism to the art of tabla, infusing it with the power of rock drumming while respecting the ethos and tradition of the classical art form. Performing as a trio or quartet, the percussionists distill the ancient spirit of tabla into a high-energy performance and demonstrate how the drum is truly capable of anything.
Talavya is the brainchild of Indian music maestro Pandit Divyang Vakil, and was created with the goal to present Indian classical music in a contemporary language. “The language of tabla is really graceful, full of different tempos, energies, and emotions,” explains Rushi Vakil, performer and group leader. “We are showing how all the shades of music can be found in it.”
It’s easy to understand why they’ve been receiving accolades for their work. Each concert moves between rousing peaks and slower, smooth meditative passages. It’s not uncommon to catch audience members—from teenage hipsters to cosmopolitan professionals—bopping along to the pulse, or in tears or in awe after the journey through different tempos and timbres.
The opening performance by dancer Jin Won exemplifies diversity in all aspects. Korean-born, she came to India 15 years ago from a career in the theater, intrigued by the rigor of the Indian approach to expressive movement. After studying English for several months, she traveled the country. Jin fell in love with Kathak, the highly percussive classical form that emerged as dance-based storytelling moved from Hindu temples to the Persian-influenced Muslim courts of the Mughuls.
Kathak is not only based on storytelling, but also rhythm, as the dancer complements and competes with the rhythm created by the accompanying tabla player. Not content with the basic understanding of rhythm and tabla imparted to dancers, Jin instead devoted herself to intensive engagement with the instrument, under Guruji’s guidance, making her a rare performer (few women play tabla, and few tabla players dance Kathak). Her dedication and skill have won her the admiration of classical choreographers and Indian audiences. (Jin eventually wrote a textbook on tabla).
Don’t miss this rhythmic journey when Talavya and Jin Won perform on Saturday May 4, 2013 at the Princeton Center for Yoga and Health in Skillman, NJ. For tickets contact (609) 924-7294 or visit www.princetonyoga.com.
