Ustad Shujaat Khan LIVE at Aga Khan Museum
2024-09-21 19:30 - 22:00 UTC | Aga Khan Museum, 77 Wynford Dr,, North York, Ontario, M3C 1K1, Canada
IMPORTANT:
Regular tickets are now SOLD OUT. Limited rush tickets will be available at the venue an hour before the concert. These tickets are first come first serve, one ticket per person only.
Limited student tickets remain. Please email us at raagmalatoronto@gmail.com for details.

Raag-Mala Toronto, in partnership with the Aga Khan Museum, is proud to present a sitar recital by Ustad Shujaat Khan on Saturday September 21st 2024 at 7:30pm
Ustad Shujaat Khan
Ud. Shujaat Khan’s musical pedigree extends seven generations. He is the son and disciple of the legendary sitarist Ud. Vilayat Khan. His grandfather, Ud. Inayat Khan, his great-grandfather, Ud. Imdad Khan, and his great-great-grandfather, Ud. Sahebdad Khan, were all leading artists of their respective generations.
He belongs to the Imdad Khani Gharana and, his style of playing sitar known as the gayaki ang, is imitative of the subtleties of the human voice.
Shujaat’s musical career began at the age of three when he began practicing on a specially made small sitar. By the age of six, he was recognized as a child prodigy and began formal performances. He is now one of the most sought-after sitarist, and has performed at all of the prestigious music festivals in India and has toured extensively through the world. He has captivated audiences with his unique style of sitar playing, his melodious voice, and his intuitive and spontaneous approach to rhythm.
Shujaat enjoys collaborating with other gifted artists. ‘The Rain’, his album featuring the Indo-Persian Ghazal ensemble, was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2004 for “Best Traditional World Music Album”.
​Amit Choubey
Amit Choubey began learning tabla at the age of seven under the guidance of Pt. Karodilal Bhatt in his hometown Jabalpur M.P. He has continued his training with world renowned Tabla Maestro Padma Bhushan Ustad Zakir Hussain and Pt. Yogesh Samsi.
Amit brings to music a mind alive to the movement and nuances of rhythm along with a superior tonal quality that has been cultivated through persistent practice and dedication. An astute table player who combines tradition with innovative modern percussion techniques in his playing, he has been Awarded Gold Medal in M. A. in Tabla from Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalay Khairagad – Chhattisgarh India, in year 2011.
Apart from being an accomplished tabla soloist, Amit is also a versatile accompaniment artiste. He has accompanied top eminent Hindustani classical vocal and instrumental artist like Padma Vibhushan Vikku Vinayak Ram, Padma Vibhushan Dr. L. Subramanium and Padma Bhushan Ud. Rashid Khan.
Tickets: Balcony $50, Orchestra $70 (10% Discount for Members)
Tickets include same day Aga Khan Museum Admission
A limited number of $20 student tickets, for full time students with valid ID, are available for purchase directly from Raag-Mala Toronto. Please email raagmalatoronto@gmail.com for details.

Raag-Mala Benefactors & Patrons:
If you are unable to attend a concert, pass your complimentary tickets to a friend!
To help us assign seats, you may be contacted to confirm attendance

Nuit Blanche 2024: Radhika Baskar, Pankaj Mishra & Ustad Bahauddin Dagar
2024-10-05 19:30 - 23:30 | Aga Khan Museum, 77 Wynford Dr,, North York, Ontario, M3C 1K1, Canada
Raag-Mala Toronto participates in Nuit Blanche at the Aga Khan Museum
Saturday October 5th 2024

7:30pm North South DialogueRadhika Baskar (Veena) & Pankaj Mishra (Sarangi)

Pankaj Mishra, a Sarangi maestro from the Banaras Gharana, was trained by the esteemed Pt. Mahesh Prasad Mishra. With performances at prestigious events in India and internationally, Mishra brings the soulful essence of North Indian Hindustani music to this collaboration. He is also the founder of a school for Indian Classical Music in Germany.

Radhika Baskar, an accomplished Veena artist, represents the rich tradition of Carnatic music from southern India. Known for her expertise in Thanam improvisation, Radhika blends classical Carnatic music with diverse influences, including Western classical, fusion, and jazz. Now based in Canada, she continues to innovate through her solo performances and collaborations.
Together, these two artists create a unique musical experience that bridges the rich traditions of North and South Indian classical music, offering audiences a glimpse into the shared heritage and distinct expressions of these ancient art forms.

The artists will be accompanied by Gowrishankar Balachandran (Mridangam) & Parag Dhadphale (Tabla)

10:30pm Meditative MusicUstad Bahauddin Dagar (Rudra Veena)

Rudra Veena virtuoso Ustad Bahauddin Dagar invites you to journey through the meditative depths of sound. Playing an instrument rarely heard in Canada, Dagar brings to life the timeless resonance of the Rudra Veena, an instrument central to Indian classical music for centuries.

Bahauddin ji will be accompanied by Tejas Tope (Pakhawaj)

Nanji Family Foundation Auditorium77 Wynford Drive

Please Note: seats for Raag-Mala Benefactors will be guaranteed until 15 minutes before each show, after which they will be released to the general public. These seats will be unassigned.
Tickets for the general public (including Raag-Mala Patrons & regular members) will be issued an hour before each concert, on a first come first served basis

Information: raagmalatoronto@gmail.com

We thank the Dhalla Family for their generous donation towards this event in memory of long time Raag-Mala Benefactor late Aziz Dhalla

Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan
2025-03-22 19:30 - 22:30 | Aga Khan Museum, 77 Wynford Dr,, North York, Ontario, M3C 1K1, Canada
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Due to unforeseen circumstances, Shakir Khan will no longer be performing on Saturday, March 22. Ticketholders who purchased tickets from the Aga Khan Museum website will be contacted with further details.

Raag-Mala Toronto, in partnership with the Aga Khan Museum, is proud to present a sitar recital by Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan on Saturday March 22nd 2025 at 7:30pm

Experience an unforgettable evening with Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan, one of the world’s greatest living sitar maestros.
Shahid Parvez Khan
Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan stands as one of the world’s greatest living sitar player, a true maestro who bridges centuries of musical tradition with innovative brilliance.
Born into the seventh generation of the renowned Etawah Gharana, a family dedicated to mastering the sitar, Shahid Parvez Khan was destined for musical greatness. His father, Ustad Aziz Khan, recognized his son’s innate talent and began nurturing it from an incredibly young age. By eight, he was dazzling audiences with his prodigious talent. Today, his performances are transformative experiences, earning him the nickname “The Man with the Singing Sitar” for his unparalleled ability to evoke vocal nuances through his instrument.
Shahid’s mastery blends rigorous classical training with groundbreaking techniques, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the sitar. His concerts transport listeners, transcending cultural barriers through pure musical emotion.
Throughout his illustrious career, Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Padma Shri award from the Government of India. His artistry has graced stages across the globe, from the grand concert halls of Europe and North America to the vibrant cultural festivals of India, Australia, the Middle East, and beyond.
But perhaps his greatest achievement lies in his role as a teacher and preserver of musical tradition. Through the SPK Academy of Music, he passes on his vast knowledge to the next generation, ensuring that the rich legacy of the sitar continues to thrive.
Ustadji will be accompanied by Amit Kavthekar on tabla.
Tickets: Balcony $50, Orchestra $70 (10% Discount for Members)
Tickets include same day Aga Khan Museum Admission

Please email raagmalatoronto@gmail.com to join the waitlist for tickets. A limited number of rush tickets will also be released at the venue an hour before the concert.

A limited number of $20 student tickets, for full time students with valid ID, are available for purchase directly from Raag-Mala Toronto. Please email raagmalatoronto@gmail.com for details.

Raag-Mala Benefactors & Patrons:
If you are unable to attend a concert, pass your complimentary tickets to a friend!
To help us assign seats, you may be contacted to confirm attendance

Roopa Panesar (sitar) and Ragini Shankar (violin)
2025-04-12 19:30 - 22:30 | Aga Khan Museum, 77 Wynford Dr,, North York, Ontario, M3C 1K1, Canada
Roopa Panesar (sitar) and Ragini Shankar (violin)This is a two-part 3-hour concert with a 20-minute intermission.Date: Saturday April 12th 2025 at 7:30pm

Ticket Pricing:Balcony: $50Orchestra: $70
Raag-Mala Member Discount: 10%

A limited number of $20 student tickets will be available for purchase directly from Raag-Mala Toronto. Please email raagmalatoronto@gmail.com for details.

Raag-Mala Benefactors & Patrons:
If you are unable to attend a concert, pass your complimentary tickets to a friend!
To help us assign seats, you may be contacted to confirm attendance

Roopa Panesar

Roopa Panesar is considered one of the finest sitar players to emerge on the Indian Classical Music scene from the UK. She is a disciple of the renowned educationalist and leading musicianof the UK, Ustad Dharambir Singh ji MBE who is a disciple of Ustad Vilayat Khan.

Roopa’s knowledge and skills have also been strengthened by additional training from masters including Pandit Arvind Parikh, Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan, Pt. Buddhaditya Mukherjee and Ustad Bahauddin Dagar.
Embracing Indian classical music as well as jazz and western classical genres, Roopa Panesar leaves audiences captivated and peers filled with respect. Her outstanding musical ability has resulted in a stream of high-profile national and international concerts, tours and televised performances including the BBC1 televised VJ75 memorial in the presence of HRH The Prince of Wales and working with the Belgian Symphony Orchestra.

Roopa Panesar proudly joins the modest number of Indian females worldwide who have launched their careers as full-time touring and teaching sitar players.
Roopa will be accompanied by Shahbaz Hussain on tabla.

Shahbaz Hussain

Shahbaz Hussain is one of the most promising tabla virtuosos of his generation. He has received numerous accolades for his captivating performances, including the prestigious “Son of Lahore” Award from the Government of Pakistan.

He began his training at age five with his father, the late Ustad Mumtaz Hussain – a prominent vocalist. He later went on to study with tabla legends Ud Faiyaz Khan from the Delhi Gharana, the late Ud Shaukat Hussain Khan from the Punjab Gharana and finally the late maestro Ud Allah Rakha Khan.

Shahbaz has accompanied great masters like Ud Salamat Ali Khan, Ud Shahid Parvez, Ud Rais Khan, Ud Fateh Ali Khan, Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia and ghazal legend Ghulam Ali to name but a few.
He has performed extensively in Europe, North America & Asia at many prestigious venues, including the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C., Lincoln Center in New York andLondon’s Royal Albet & Queen Elizabeth Halls.
He teaches tabla in the UK, including at the University of Newcastle and the University of Huddersfield.

Ragini Shankar

Born in a family with a musical lineage spanning over seven generations, Ragini Shankar began her training in Hindustani (North Indian) Classical Music on the Violin at the tender age of 4 under the tutelage of her illustrious grandmother, Padmabhushan Dr. N Rajam and her exemplary mother Dr. Sangeeta Shankar, ace violinists of India. Being highly gifted in her musical talents, Ragini has grown to show brilliance in her performances. Her asset being her ability to reproduce vocal music on the violin (Gayaki Ang, a revolutionary technique invented by her grandmother, Dr. N Rajam) with astounding accuracy, tonal quality &
exceptional fingering and bowing techniques.

Ragini gave her first public performance at the age of 11. Thereafter she has performed in many prestigious music festivals all over India, North America, Europe, UK and South-east Asia.

She is known for her collaborations with various artists in diverse genres. Ragini and her sister Nandini Shankar have been signed by Decca Records US, a part of Universal Music Group for a full-length music album for their musical ensemble ‘Taraana’. Ragini is a recipient of the distinguished Aditya Birla Kala Kiran Award and the Jashn-e-Youngistan award presented by the Vice President of India. She currently teaches at Rajam School of Violin and was a faculty at the Whistling Woods International-School of Music. She has also appeared on the platform of Talks at Google and TEDx for Indian music. Ragini has been highly applauded by music enthusiasts for being one of the most promising faces of Indian Classical music.

Ragini will be accompanied by Mukindraj Deo on tabla.

Mukundraj Deo

One of the finest Tabla Players of India’s young generation, Mukundraj Deo comes from a artistic family. He has undergone a rigorous training of Tabla from Late Pt. Brijraj Mishra [Disciple of Late Pt. Sharada Sahai] of Banaras Gharana and Pt. Mridangraj of Ajrada Gharana.

He completed Sangeet Visharad and Alankaar in Tabla with first class from Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya. His talent was acclaimed in the form of National Scholarship from Government of India in 1990, a prestigious title Taalmani from Sursingar Samsad, Bombay in 1993 and National fellowship in 1997. He is an A grade artist of All India Radio and Doordarshan.

He has the distinction of having accompanied Maestros like Pt. Jasraj, Pt. Birju Maharaj, Dr. Prabha Atre, Begum Parveen Sultana, Dr. N. Rajam, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and Pt. Ramnarayan.

He has travelled overseas to many countries and participated in International Music Festivals in Adelaide – Australia, York early Music Festivals – England, Fes world Music festival – Morocco, Festival at Sydneyera House – Sydney

Vocal Recital by Aniruddh Aithal
2025-04-26 19:30 - 21:30 | Sampradaya Theatre, 3250 Ridgeway Dr, Mississauga, ON, L5L 5Y6, Canada
We are thrilled to have the opportunity to present a vocal recital by Aniruddh Aithal. Aniruddh will be accompanied by local artists Rigved Deshpande and Sushant Anantharam.
Aniruddh Aithal is a 25-year-old Hindustani classical musician, vocal music being his area of expertise. From a very young age, Aniruddh was always exposed to classical music, primarily because of his parents who are avid listeners of classical music. He formally started learning at the age of 10 from Smt. Geetha Garud Prithviraj, daughter and disciple of maestro Pt. D.S Garud. After 8 years of rigorous training, Aniruddh is now receiving training from Dr. Ashok Huggannavar, a disciple of Pt. Lingaraj Buwa Yaraguppi, Pt. Basavaraj Rajguru and Pt. Sangameshwar Gurav.
Aniruddh won the All India radio national level competition in the year 2017. He has also won numerous medals at a university level for his college at youth festivals held every year. He is also the recipient of scholarships given by the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT), New Delhi and the Karnataka Sangeetha Nruthya Academy. Aniruddh has also been conferred an A Grade by All India Radio in 2023. He has been fortunate enough to receive (apart from classical music Taleem) training in rare Rangageethes (theatre songs), Dasarapadas, vachanas, and tatvapadas from his gurus. His passion for the practical and applied sciences led him to pursue an engineering degree which he has successfully completed in 2020.
This special concert is not a part of our regular concert series and will be taking place at the Sampradaya Theatre in Mississauga.
Tickets:
Members (including Patrons): $30
Non-Members: $40
Please send an etransfer to raagmalatorontopayments@gmail.com.

Sarod Sisters: Troilee & Moisilee Dutta
2025-05-10 19:30 - 22:00 | Aga Khan Museum, 77 Wynford Dr,, North York, Ontario, M3C 1K1, Canada
Raag-Mala Toronto, in partnership with the Aga Khan Museum, is proud to present a sarod recital by the Sarod Sisters on Saturday May 10th 2025 at 7:30pm

Ticket Pricing:Balcony: $40Orchestra: $50
Raag-Mala Member Discount: 10%

A limited number of $20 student tickets will be available for purchase directly from Raag-Mala Toronto. Please email raagmalatoronto@gmail.com for details.

Tickets will be going on sale on Thursday April 17th at 10am

Raag-Mala Benefactors & Patrons:
If you are unable to attend a concert, pass your complimentary tickets to a friend!
To help us assign seats, you may be contacted to confirm attendance

Troilee & Moisilee
Troilee & Moisilee, popularly known as the “Sarod Sisters”, are two young sarod players of the Senia-Maihar Gharana. They both have learnt under the affectionate guidance of Pandit Kamal Mallick. Troilee also took intensive taalim from Sitar virtuoso Pt. Sanjoy Bandopadhyay and now they are under the noble guidance of Sarod maestro Pt. Partho Sarathy.
The “Sarod Sisters” have been performing together since childhood and have received the blessings of many stalwart musicians and audiences across the globe. They have performed for The Dover Lane Music Conference in Kolkata; Pandit Ravi Shankar Music Foundation in New Delhi, Milap in the UK, Padma Vibhaushan Ustad Ali Akbar Khan’s Birth Centenary Concert by Aashish Khan School of World Music & Annapurna Devi Foundation, Kolkata, to name a few.
Troilee & Moisilee both have individually got selected by the Govt. of India – Ministry of Culture for National Scholarship for their music. Troilee is a ‘Sangeet Ratna’ from Bangiyo Sangeet Parishad. She is also a First Class First, Gold Medallist in M.A in Music from Rabindra Bharati University and received the degree of Doctorate in 2020. In 2009 she stood first in both the competitions organized by “The Dover Lane Music Conference & The Dover Lane Music Academy” and “Sri Aurobindo Institute of Culture”, Kolkata. She is now an All India Radio, Doordarshan (Indian National Television Broadcast Channel) and SPICMACAY empanelled artist. Moisilee has also completed 6th Year from Bangiyo Sangeet Parishad and obtained 1st class with distinction. In educational aspect she has completed her Masters in Physics and now a research scholar in Jadavpur University.

The Sarod Sisters will be accompanied by Indranil Mallick on tabla.

Indranil Mallick
Born into a musical family, Indranil began to learn tabla when he was only five, from his uncle, Sri Montu Mallick. Later he was trained by Prof. Dhabol Bandyapadhaya and Sri Uttam Chakraborty, senior disciple of Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri, who is now his guru. Indranil holds a “Sangeet Visharad”, Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music focused on Tabla, from the University of Chandigarh.
Among his many awards and distinctions in tabla performance, he stood first in the Yuva Utsav organized by the state Government of West Bengal. Keeping a rigorous performance schedule, Indranil continues to perform with renowned artists in various music conferences in India and abroad.

Pt. Satish Vyas and Jonathan Voyer
2025-06-15 18:30 - 20:30 | Aga Khan Museum, 77 Wynford Dr,, North York, Ontario, M3C 1K1, Canada
Raag-Mala Toronto, in partnership with the Aga Khan Museum, is proud to present a santoor recital by Pt. Satish Vyas and Jonathan Voyer on Sunday June 15th at 6:30pm
This concert is part of Raag-Mala Toronto’s ‘Sowing the Seeds of Raag Sangeet in Canada’ series.
Ticket Pricing:
Balcony: $50
Orchestra: $60
Raag-Mala Member Discount: 20%
A limited number of $20 student tickets will be available for purchase directly from Raag-Mala Toronto. Please email raagmalatoronto@gmail.com for details.
Tickets will be going on sale on Thursday May 22nd at 10am

TICKETS

Raag-Mala Benefactors & Patrons:
If you are unable to attend a concert, pass your complimentary tickets to a friend!
To help us assign seats, you may be contacted to confirm attendance

Pandit Satish Vyas started his taalim in raag sangeet under his father, the renowned vocalist Padma Bhushan Late Pandit C. R. Vyas. His heart was however set on learning to play santoor, and he was accepted as a disciple by the legendary Padma Vibhushan Late Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma. The combination of training under both his father and Shivji has given Satish an ability to display gayaki ang as well as layakari / tantrakari ang in his Santoor playing.
As the most senior disciple of Shivji, he is one of the most sought after performers and has performed at prestigious festivals globally.
He will be accompanied by Mukundraj Deo on tabla.
Mukundraj Deo is one of the finest Tabla Players of India’s young generation, Mukundraj Deo comes from a artistic family. He has undergone a rigorous training of Tabla from Late Pt. Brijraj Mishra [Disciple of Late Pt. Sharada Sahai] of Banaras Gharana and Pt. Mridangraj of Ajrada Gharana.
He completed Sangeet Visharad and Alankaar in Tabla with first class from Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya. His talent was acclaimed in the form of National Scholarship from Government of India in 1990, a prestigious title Taalmani from Sursingar Samsad, Bombay in 1993 and National fellowship in 1997. He is an ‘A’ grade artist of All India Radio and Doordarshan.
He has the distinction of having accompanied Maestros like Pt. Jasraj, Pt. Birju Maharaj, Dr. Prabha Atre, Begum Parveen Sultana, Dr. N. Rajam, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and Pt. Ramnarayan.
He has travelled overseas to many countries and participated in International Music Festivals in Adelaide – Australia, York early Music Festivals – England, Fes world Music festival – Morocco, Festival at Sydney era House – Sydney.
Jonathan Voyer is a disciple of santoor maestro Pandit Satish Vyas and of Kirana Ghatana vocalist Pandit Somanath Mardur. He received his initial training with voice teacher Louise Yard from whom he learned the Bel Canto singing technique. With dancer Julie Beaulieu, he founded Samskara : les artisans du passage to promote transcultural dialogue through arts. Jonathan has a Ph.D in Artistic Research from the University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM). He is a membre of Centre d’études et de recherche sur l’Inde, l’Asie du Sud et sa diaspora (CERIAS) and a lecturer in arts at UQAM. He will be accompanied on tabla by Shawn Mativetsky.
Shawn Mativetsky is considered one of Canada’s leading ambassadors of the tabla, and is a pioneer in bridging the worlds of Western and Indian classical music. Acclaimed as an exceptional soloist and a leading disciple of the renowned Pandit Sharda Sahai, Shawn Mativetsky is highly sought-after as both performer and educator, and is active in the promotion of the tabla and North Indian classical music through lectures, workshops, and performances across Canada and internationally. Based in Montreal, Shawn teaches tabla and percussion at McGill University.

Arati Ankalikar Tikekar LIVE at Aga Khan Musuem
2025-09-13 19:30 - 21:30 | Aga Khan Museum, 77 Wynford Dr,, North York, Ontario, M3C 1K1, Canada
Raag-Mala Toronto, in partnership with the Aga Khan Museum, is proud to present a vocal recital by Arati Ankalikar Tikekar on Saturday September 13th at 7:30pm

Arati Ankalikar Tikekar is one of the leading vocalists of Indian Classical Music. She began her training with Late Pandit Vasantrao Kulkarni of the Agra/Gwalior gharanas (singing traditions), and subsequently received training from many great artists such as the late Gaanasarawati Kishori Amonkar (Jaipur-Atrauli), Late Pandit Dinkar Kaikini (Agra) and Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar (Gwalior).
She has taken influences from the various gharanas and created a style of singing that is suited to her unique tonal quality and vocal range. Whether she is singing a bada khayal (which requires a gradual elaboration of a raag from a slow tempo to a rapid one towards its end), or performing a light-hearted thumri or singing a bhajan, Arati’s captivating badhat (development of the composition) and the passion she imbues in her renditions are what make her a favourite among aficionados and won over newer listeners of raag sangeet (Indian classical music).
Arati has also sung film songs for Hindi, Marathi and regional cinemas. She received the best play back singer award for Konkani film Anternaad in 2006 and for the Marathi film Samhita in 2012. She also received numerous awards such as the Maharashtra State Award as the best playback singer, V. Shantaram Award and the Maharashtra Times Award for a Marathi Film.
Arati has performed at several prestigious conferences in India, such as the Sawai Gandharva Mahotsav (Pune), Tansen Sangeet Samaroh (Gwalior) and Dover Lane Music Conference (Kolkota) and also performed extensively in Canada and many other countries, where she made tireless efforts in spreading awareness of raag sangeet.
She last performed on the Aga Khan Museum stage in 2019, and we are delighted to have this artist, at the height of her music career, present a full concert of raag sangeet.
Rigved Deshpande is an accomplished tabla player performing on stage for more than 20 years, having studied under the guidance of esteemed gurus Pt. Chandrashekhar Vaze, Shri Swapnil Bhate and currently from Pt. Ramdas Palsule for the past 6 years. He has also received vocal lessons from Pt. Suresh Bapat for the past 8 years.
Rigved has accompanied renowned artists such as Vidushi Padma Talwalkar, Pt. Ajoy Chakraborthy, and Pt. Shaunak Abhisheki among others.
He has performed in prestigious events such as Sawai Gandharva-Bhimsen Mahotsav in Pune,Devgandharva Mahotsav in Mumbai, Sur Mansoor Festival in Mumbai, and has performed internationally in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and Germany.
His musical talent and dedication have earned him a well-deserved reputation in the tabla community especially Hindustani raag sangeet.
Kishan Prabhu who hails from Puttur, in Karnataka, is a passionate young harmonium player whose musical journey began at the young age of 8 with his first Guru, Vidushi Sharada Bhat. He is currently under the guidance of Pandit Mounesh Kumar Chavani, an Akashwani (All India Radio) A-grade artist, and is also learning advanced techniques from Shri Prasad Kamath, a disciple of Pandit Sudhir Nayak of Mumbai. An accredited B-grade artist at Akashvani, Kishan has accompanied various artists in India.
Ticket Pricing:

Balcony: $40
Orchestra: $50
Raag-Mala Member Discount: 10%
A limited number of $20 student tickets will be available for purchase directly from Raag-Mala Toronto. Please email raagmalatoronto@gmail.com for details.
Tickets will be going on sale on Thursday August 14th at 10am

BUY TICKETS
Raag-Mala Benefactors & Patrons:

If you are unable to attend a concert, pass your complimentary tickets to a friend!
To help us assign seats, you may be contacted to confirm attendance

Suchismita and Debopriya Chatterjee (Flute) with Harshad Kanetkar on Tabla
2025-10-04 08:00 - 20:00 | Aga Khan Museum, 77 Wynford Dr,, North York, Ontario, M3C 1K1, Canada
Raag-Mala Toronto participates in Nuit Blanche at the Aga Khan Museum
Saturday October 4th 2025 at 8pm

Suchismita and Debopriya Chatterjee (Flute) with Harshad Kanetkar on Tabla.

In a tradition where vocals and dance often take center stage, sisters Suchismita and Debopriya Chatterjee have carved out their own legacy with the bamboo flute. Disciples of Padma Vibhushan Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, their journey is one of devotion, discipline, and bold individuality.
Born to musicologists Krishna and Robin Chatterjee, their upbringing was rich with sound and scholarship. Early training under Pandit Bholanath Prasanna laid their classical foundation, but it was under Chaurasia Ji’s guidance that their artistry evolved into a spiritual path.
They broadened their perspective at the World Music Conservatory in Rotterdam, training in Western classical music, while remaining deeply rooted in Indian traditions.
Now mentors themselves, the Flute Sisters continue to shape the future of Indian classical music — keeping tradition alive, relevant, and resonant for generations to come.
Harshad Kanetkar started learning Tabla at the age of five. He is equally adept and versatile in the art of performing solo as well as accompanying vocals, instrumental and dance. He has been appreciated by renowned legend musicians for his crispness and clarity of his technique and a magnificent command on rhythm and stamina which are the classic hallmarks of his style.
He has accompanied many stalwart artists in various prestigious music conferences and festivals. He has traveled and performed extensively all over the world in 17+ countries. He has worked in the Classical music field of both Hindustani and Carnatic styles and as well as in Western music world.
Harshad has received many accolades and honors including the prestigious National Award of Scholarship from the Government of India.
Recently he has been selected on the judging panel of the Recording Academy which is famous for “The Grammy Awards”.

Bahauddin ji will be accompanied by Tejas Tope (Pakhawaj)

Nanji Family Foundation Auditorium77 Wynford Drive

Please Note: seats for Raag-Mala Benefactors will be guaranteed until 15 minutes before each show, after which they will be released to the general public. These seats will be unassigned.
Tickets for the general public (including Raag-Mala Patrons & regular members) will be issued an hour before each concert, on a first come first served basis

Information: raagmalatoronto@gmail.com

We thank the Dhalla Family for their generous donation towards this event in memory of long time Raag-Mala Benefactor late Aziz Dhalla

Pt. Shantanu Bhattacharyya & Students LIVE at Aga Khan Museum
2025-10-25 19:30 - 22:00 | Aga Khan Museum, 77 Wynford Dr,, North York, Ontario, M3C 1K1, Canada
Raag-Mala Toronto, in partnership with the Aga Khan Museum, is proud to present Shantanu Bhattacharya & Students on Saturday October 25th at 7:30pm

Pandit Shantanu Bhattacharyya is one of the foremost vocalists of Hindustani classical music today, renowned for his mastery of Khayal and Thumri and for carrying forward the rich legacy of the Patiala gharana. Trained by legendary gurus including Meera Banerjee and Ajoy Chakrabarty, Shantanu has performed at major festivals across India and around the world. His family is an integral part of his musical life: his wife Smt. Durba Bhattacharyya, a gifted singer and harmonium accompanist, and their daughter Mitra, an emerging young vocalist, often share the stage with him—embodying the living tradition of music passed from generation to generation.
For this special Raga-Mala Toronto season finale on October 25th, Shantanu is joined by Canadian brothers Jonathan Kay and Andrew Kay, long-time disciples who immersed themselves in the guru-shishya parampara, living and studying within his family’s musical orbit in Kolkata for nearly a decade. Their collaboration builds bridges across continents and generations, expanding the reach of Indian classical music through its application on Western instruments. Completing the ensemble is the brilliant tabla artist Sudhir Ghorai, a top disciple of Pandit Anindo Chatterjee, whose dynamic playing brings rhythmic depth and vitality. Together, they promise an evening of artistry, dialogue, and continuity in the timeless tradition of Hindustani raag sangeet.

This concert is part of Raag-Mala Toronto’s ‘Sowing the Seeds of Raag Sangeet in Canada’ series.
Ticket Pricing:
Balcony: $40
Orchestra: $50
Raag-Mala Member Discount: 10%
A limited number of $20 student tickets will be available for purchase directly from Raag-Mala Toronto. Please email raagmalatoronto@gmail.com for details.
Tickets will be going on sale on Monday October 6th at 10am

TICKETS

Raag-Mala Benefactors & Patrons:
If you are unable to attend a concert, pass your complimentary tickets to a friend!
To help us assign seats, you may be contacted to confirm attendance

Pandit Shantanu Bhattacharyya is one of the finest vocalists in Hindustani Raag Sangeet today. He came first in both Khayal and Thumri categories in the Akashbani Music Competition at the age of 20, and achieved the Top Grade designation from Prasar Bharati early in his career.
Initiated into music by his mother Ira Bhattacharyya, Shantanu received further training from Sukhendu Goswami, and received extensive taalim from the stalwarts Pandit Prasun Banerjee and Vidushi Meera Banerjee, both of whom had studied under the late Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, the legendary exponent of Patiala gharana singing style. Shantanu also studied with Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty at the ITC Sangeet Research Academy in Kolkata.
Shantanu has sung at many major festivals in India such as the Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan, Allauddin Khan Smriti Samaroh, Sangeet Natak Akademi Festival, to name a few. He is featured regularly on radio and TV, and has travelled widely in Canada, USA, UK, France, Italy, Finland, Germany, Australia and Singapore.
He has conducted music workshops at schools all over the world, composed numerous Raag-based ensemble compositions, written articles for journals and books, compositions of devotional songs and meditation music, released in CDs.
Shantanu Bhattacharyya’s music school Aalor Pathe Raga Dhwani in Kolkata has won accolades from one and all, for the brilliant performances of the young pupils learning under him in the guru-shishya tradition.
Sri Sudhir Kumar Ghorai is an accomplished Tabla artist and a senior disciple of the legendary maestro, Pandit Anindo Chatterjee since 1990. Under his guru’s guidance, Sudhir has mastered the nuances of Tabla and establishing himself as a sought-after accompanist for both vocal and instrumental classical music.
Sudhir was born into a musical family and began his early training under his cousin, Shri Amulya Kala, and later refined his skills under Shri Bankim Maity and Shri Nirmal Adhikary. Before he becoming a disciple Pandit Anindo Chatterjee, he had received advanced training from Shri Asit Pal. To enhance his artistry and accompaniment skills, he has also trained under eminent musicians such as Pandit Partho Sarathi and Pandit Shantanu Bhattacharyya.
Sudhir is graded with All India Radio and regularly participates in prestigious concerts. He has performed at numerous renowned platforms across India and Bangladesh, including The All Bengal Music Conference (Kolkata), The Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture (Kolkata) and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Festival in New Delhi, to name a few. He has had accompanied many distinguished maestros such as Pandit Vinayak Torvi, Pandit Shantanu Bhattacharyya, Pandit Debasish Bhattacharya, Pandit Partho Sarathi, to seal his reputation as a senior tabla artist.
Smt. Durba Bhattacharyya is an acclaimed performer (vocalist as well as a harmonium accompanist), and is a guru of Hindustani classical vocal music – Khayal, Bhajan and Ragashrayee Bengali songs. A regular broadcaster from Akashvani Kolkata, she has performed all over India and in USA, Canada & Europe. Durba is an ex-scholar of ITC Sangeet Research Academy under Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty, and like her husband Pandit Shantanu Bhattacharyya, has learnt extensively from Late Guruma Meera Banerjee, the doyenne of Patiala gharana. She is a Gold Medalist from Pracheen Kala Kendra Chandigarh, and has several music albums to her credit.
Mitra Bhatacharyya has learnt singing from her mother, Smt. Durba Bhattacharyya, and has been taking advanced taalim from her father, Pandit Shantanu Bhattacharyya.
She stood first in some of the National level raag sangeet competitions and has performed in several cities in India, as well as in Italy, USA and Canada.
Mitra has pursued both her Bachelor’s and Masters in Comparative Literature at Jadavpur University, Kolkata; and aspires for a synthesis of music and academics in herself to present an integrated form of art that is rooted and yet ever-evolving.
She also thoroughly enjoys training younger children in the fundamentals of raag sangeet.
Jonathan and Andrew Kay, the award-winning and innovative multi-instrumentalist brothers, embarked on their musical journey as jazz saxophonists at Humber College in Toronto. Inspired by the spiritual revelations of Alice and John Coltrane in the late 60s, they dedicated themselves to Coltrane’s quest for a transcultural theory of musical transcendence, which ultimately led them to India. Their seven-year sojourn in Kolkata proved transformative as they immersed themselves in the art of North Indian Raga under the guidance of their guru, Pandit Shantanu Bhattacharyya. The Kay brothers received accolades from India’s maestros for their devotion and commitment to Raga, emerging as pioneers in expressing its intricate nuances on the saxophone and earning recognition for rendering the full development of Raga in both vocal and instrumental styles. Jonathan also spent three years in Santiniketan studying the esraj in the lineage of Ranadhir Roy with his guru, Abir Singh Khangura.
Pushing the boundaries of their craft, they have introduced innovative techniques, including Jonathan’s creation of the Shruti-phone, a non-tempered saxophone designed to express the subtle shrutis (micro-tones) of Raga, and Andrew’s development of a full set of tuned Himalayan singing bowls. Their deep engagement with Indian Classical music has led to collaborations with some of India’s most esteemed Maestros, including Subhankar Banerjee, Bickram Ghosh, Tejendra Majumdar, Ronu Majumdar, Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Subhen Chatterjee, and Subhajyoti Guha. Through their dedication, innovation, and collaborations, Jonathan and Andrew Kay have become internationally recognized as artists who bring the timeless spirit of Indian Classical music into new sonic horizons while remaining rooted in the tradition of Raga.

Alam Khan & Salar Nader
2026-04-18 20:00 - 22:00 | Aga Khan Museum, 77 Wynford Dr,, North York, Ontario, M3C 1K1, Canada
Raag-Mala Toronto and the Aga Khan Museum co-present Alam Khan & Salar Nader

Hear history come alive through the sarod and tabla with Alam Khan and Salar Nader — a duo redefining tradition while honouring centuries of musical heritage. Drawing from the profound teachings of their legendary gurus, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan and Ustad Zakir Hussain, they weave a mesmerizing tapestry of melody and rhythm that resonates across cultures and generations.
Let their captivating rhythms carry you through intricate tabla patterns and the soul-stirring tones of the sarod in a celebration of lineage, mastery, and the enduring power of music to connect us all. Don’t miss an evening where ancient ragas from the courts of Emperor Akbar come alive through contemporary interpretations, and where virtuosity meets heartfelt expression.

Tickets:Regular $50Raag-Mala Member/AKM Friend: $45Senior/Student: $37.50

Tickets will be reserved for Raag-Mala Benefactors/Patrons

Two-time Grammy-nominated artist Alam Khan, Khalifa of the Seni Maihar Gharana and son of the late legendary maestro of the Sarod, Swara Samrat Ali Akbar Khan, has been captivating audiences worldwide for over 20 years. Since beginning his training at the age of seven, Alam was fortunate to learn in the traditional style of Guru and Shishya (teacher and student) under the careful guidance of his father. The influence of Ali Akbar Khan’s teachings is evident in every note Alam plays, as well as in his imaginative interpretations of ancient ragas passed down from the courts of Emperor Akbar through Mian Tansen in the 16th century.

Alam’s performance career took off when he began accompanying his father on international stages from 1996 to 2006. During this period, he performed at prestigious venues such as the Royal Jodhpur Palace, the Dover Lane Music Festival in Calcutta, New York’s Lincoln Center Jazz Festival, and in highly acclaimed concerts across the United States, Canada, Europe, and India.
While accompanying his father, Alam’s solo career began to take shape in 1998, and since then he has established himself as the true heir to Ali Akbar Khan’s legacy. As one of the leading Sarod players of the Maihar Gharana, Alam has received praise from musical icons such as Ravi Shankar, Ustad Vilayat Khan, Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, and Pandit Buddhadev Dasgupta, among many of India’s finest musicians.Alam has had the privilege of performing alongside some of India’s greatest Tabla masters, including Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri, Ustad Zakir Hussain, and Pandit Anindo Chatterjee, at renowned venues around the world.

In addition to his classical work, Alam has collaborated with a diverse array of artists across various genres, including the Grammy-winning Tedeschi Trucks Band, Vijay Iyer, Blake Mills, Anoushka Shankar, Karsh Kale, Beats Antique, Bob Weir, The San Francisco Symphony, Del Sol Quartet, and Jack Perla, among others. He is also a founding member of the genre-bending group Grand Tapestry and the primary composer of The Resonance Between.

Alam served as his father’s personal assistant in his final years, helping with teaching at the Ali Akbar College of Music in San Rafael, California—a hub for students and lovers of Indian classical music.
Following his father’s passing in 2009, Alam became the Head of Indian Classical Instrumental Studies at the Ali Akbar College of Music (AACM). He is dedicated to preserving, performing, and sharing the rich tradition of Indian classical music with the world, while helping it flourish in the modern age.

A standout artist of his generation, tabla virtuoso Salar Nader is recognized as a global ambassador weaving South Asian arts into the musical traditions of his Afghanistan heritage. A percussionist, composer, and producer, Nader has studied under Ustad Zakir Hussain since the age of seven. He has toured widely with Stanley Clarke, Kronos Quartet, Wu Man, Miles From India; Central Asian master musicians Homayoun Sakhi and Abbos Kosimovj; and legendary Indian classical musicians including Ustad Zakir Hussain, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Selva Ganesh, Alam Khan, Rahul Sharma, and many others. He has performed and recorded with contemporary and electronic artists including Cheb i Sabbah, Niyaz, and Grand Tapestry.

NEW DATE: Vidushi Ashwini Bhide Deshpande LIVE at Aga Khan Museum
2026-04-23 20:00 - 22:30 | Aga Khan Museum, 77 Wynford Dr,, North York, Ontario, M3C 1K1, Canada
Dear Friends,
We are pleased to announce that the rescheduled performance by Vidushi Ashwini Bhide Deshpande will now take place at the Aga Khan Museum on Thursday April 23, 2026, at 8 pm.

Your ticket and seat will be automatically transferred to this new date.

If you are no longer able to attend, you may contact info@agakhanmuseum.org to:

Credit the cost of the ticket to your account for use toward future ticketed events, admission, or performances. It will remain in your account until you use it and does not expire.
Request a refund to the credit card used to buy your ticket.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. Your understanding and support are greatly appreciated, and we look forward to enjoying the performance with you on April 23.

Sincerely,

The Raag-Mala Team & Aga Khan Museum

Raag-Mala Toronto, in partnership with the Aga Khan Museum, is proud to present Vidushi Ashwini Bhide Deshpande on Thursday April 23rd at 8pm at the Aga Khan Museum – Nanji Family Foundation Auditorium
Ashwini ji will be accompanied on tabla by Sanjay Deshpande and on harmonium by Siddhesh Bicholkar
TICKETS:
Balcony: $50Orchestra: $60Raag-Mala Member Discount: 10%
A limited number of $20 student tickets will be available for purchase directly from Raag-Mala Toronto. Please email raagmalatoronto@gmail.com for details.

Raag-Mala Benefactors & Patrons:If you are unable to attend a concert, pass your complimentary tickets to a friend!To help us assign seats, you may be contacted to confirm attendance

Vidushi Ashwini Bhide Deshpande is an outstanding vocalist and leading torchbearer of the famed “Jaipur-Atrauli” gharana. She was awarded the Padma Shree in 2025 for her contribution to the arts.
She trained initially under Pandit Narayanrao Datar and later, under her mother Srimati Manik Bhide. Ashwiniji has won numerous awards, including “Pandit Jasraj Gaurav Puraskar”, which was conferred on the occasion of Panditji’s 75th birthday and the “Kumar Gandharva Samman” by the Government of Madhya Pradesh – the first female Hindustani vocalist to have been decorated with this prestigious national award. Ashwiniji has numerous recordings to her credit and is the author of “Ragarachananjali”, a much-lauded book of her self-composed bandishes. She has performed at all prestigious music conferences In India and abroad. She last performed on the Aga Khan Museum stage in 2019, and we are delighted to have this artist, at the height of her music career, present a concert of raag sangeet.
Sanjay Deshpande started learning tabla under Late Pt. Sabade; later he took taleem from Taalyogi Pt. Suresh Talwalkar of Delhi-Farookabad Gharana and received guidance from the maestro Ud. Alla Rakha Khan. Sanjay continues his studies under Pt. Yogesh Samsi and Pt. Vivek Joshi. He is a recipient of the coveted “Ahmedjaan Thirakwa Scholarship” for solo performance, and has accompanied senior artists such as Pt. Ulhas Kashalkar, Vidushi. Malini Rajurkar, Dr. Prabha Atre, Pt. Dinkar Kaikini, and Vidushi Ashwini Bhide.
Siddhesh Bicholkar has been learning music since childhood and has been privileged to receive guidance from Shri Sharad Mathkar and Pt. Tulsidas Borkar, renowned Harmonium exponent and Guru. He has been the recipient of many eminent music scholarships including from the Government of India.

Pt. Uday Bhawalkar LIVE at Ismaili Centre Toronto
2026-05-30 20:00 - 22:00 | Ismaili Centre Toronto, 49 Wynford Drive, Toronto, Ontario, M3C 1K1, Canada
Raag-Mala Toronto, in partnership with the Aga Khan Museum, is proud to present a Dhrupad Vocal recital by Pt. Uday Bhawalkar on Saturday May 30th at 8pm at the Ismaili Centre Toronto
Ashwini ji will be accompanied on pakhawaj by Pratap Awad
TICKETS:
General Admission: $50Raag-Mala Member Discount: 10%
A limited number of $20 student tickets will be available for purchase directly from Raag-Mala Toronto. Please email raagmalatoronto@gmail.com for details.
The front section will be reserved for Raag-Mala Benefactors & Patrons – unassigned General Seating.

Raag-Mala Benefactors & Patrons:If you are unable to attend a concert, pass your complimentary tickets to a friend!To help us assign seats, you may be contacted to confirm attendance

Uday Bhawalkar is among the foremost Dhrupad vocalists and has been a strong force in its growing recognition, popularity and resurgence, worldwide. He’s a disciple of Ustad Zia Fariduddin Dagar (vocal) and Ustad Zia Mohiuddin Dagar (Rudra-Veena), the towering pillars of the Dhrupad tradition. Uday believes that when immersed in the note and raga, the self dissolves and only the music remains.
Uday has an engaging style and is able to reach out and communicate with audiences of all backgrounds. He has widely performed in the UK , Europe, USA, Canada, Mexico, Singapore, Japan, Israel, Morocco, Bangladesh and Nepal. He has also collaborated with artists from other disciplines and culture and has contributed to the soundtracks for international arts films.
He has taught internationally at institutions such as the Rotterdam Music Conservatory, The University of Washington, Seattle and the Asian music circuit, London, to name a few. He is a Guru at the ITC Sangeet Research Academy at Kolkata, Bengal Foundation’s” Parampara Sangeetalay”, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
In recognition for his artistry, he has received many prestigious awards including the Kumar Gandharva Samman (2001) and the Raza Foundation Award (2007), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award 2021, Kalidas Samman 2022 and Hanumant Award 2023.
Pratap Awad has received his training in the Pakhawaj from Pandit Subhash Maharaj Deshmukh, Pandit Uddhav Aapegaonkar , Pandit Vasantrao Ghorpadkar and Pt Arvind kumar Azad , Currently he is taking training from Talyogi Pt. Suresh Talwalkar
Pratap has given many solo performances and is a vibrant accompanist for many Dhrupad musicians and instrumentalists both in India and abroad. He has performed in many prestigious festivals in India USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Japan, Singapore, Israel, Bangladesh He has received Government of Maharashtra scholarship in 2004, National Scholarship in 2011 and awards like First prize in All India Radio competition 2007, Talmani Puraskar 2008, National Gold Medal 2010, Yashwanth Rao Chavan Yuva Sangeet Sanman 2017, Kala Govrav Sanman 2019

Pt. Pankaj Mishra and Vinay Desai with Vivek Pandya
2026-06-13 19:30 - 21:30 | Aga Khan Museum, 77 Wynford Dr,, North York, Ontario, M3C 1K1, Canada
Raag-Mala Toronto, in partnership with the Aga Khan Museum, is proud to present Pt. Pankaj Mishra and Vinay Desai with Vivek Pandya on Saturday June 13th at 7:30pm at the Aga Khan Museum – Nanji Family Foundation Auditorium

TICKETS:
Balcony: $40Orchestra: $50Raag-Mala Member Discount: 10%
A limited number of $20 student tickets will be available for purchase directly from Raag-Mala Toronto. Please email raagmalatoronto@gmail.com for details.

Raag-Mala Benefactors & Patrons:If you are unable to attend a concert, pass your complimentary tickets to a friend!To help us assign seats, you may be contacted to confirm attendance

Pt. Pankaj Mishra
Pt. Pankaj Mishra is one of the foremost Sarangi virtuosos of his generation, carrying the proud legacy of the Banaras Gharana. Trained under the strict guidance of the legendary Pt. Mahesh Prasad Mishra of Banaras Gharana. Pankaj embodies the rare blend of tradition, depth, and emotion that defines the finest of Indian classical music.
Pankaj is a Visharad from Prayag Sangeet Samiti and an “A” graded artist of All India Radio and Doordarshan. Pankaj is celebrated for his soulful renditions and the rare finesse with which he brings the voice of the sarangi to life.
Currently based in Toronto, Canada, he has performed across India, the U.S., Canada, Most European countries, Kenia, and Trinidad, leaving an indelible mark on audiences worldwide. He has graced some of the most prestigious stages, including the Dover Lane Music Conference, Sangeet Piyasi, Swar Samrat Festival, and the Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh, Red Rocks, Ali Akbar College, and many more on the list.
A highly sought-after accompanist and soloist, Pankaj has collaborated with legends across genres—Pt. Swapan Chaudhuri, Pt. Kumar Bose, Pt. Anindo Chatterjee, Vidushi Girija Devi, Ustad Tari Khan, Ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali, and Pt. Birju Maharaj, to name just a few. Equally revered in Classical, Ghazal, Kathak, and Bollywood & Hollywood circles, his versatility and mastery have made him a global ambassador of the sarangi.
Pt. Pankaj Mishra’s artistry reached a landmark achievement with his contribution to the GRAMMY Award-Winning 2026 — IMMERSED (Album from Canada). His sarangi performance brings depth to the album, bridging Indian classical tradition with a contemporary global soundscape.
With every performance, Pt. Pankaj Mishra offers more than music—he offers a journey into the soul of an ancient art form, carried forward with grace, brilliance, and devotion.
Vinay Desai
Vinay is a direct disciple of the world-renowned Santoor Maestro Padma Vibhusan Pandit Shivkumar Sharmaji. After graduating from college in Delaware, Vinay sought out to learn Santoor in India. Having had some background training in tabla and vocal, in 2011, Pandit Shivkumar Sharmaji guided Vinay to begin his training under Takahiro Arai and Kunal Gunjal, before being accepted by Panditji himself. Vinay regularly performs throughout USA, including Hawaii, Argentina, Canada, The Bahamas, Australia, and India. He has performed for some of the well known organizations and prestigious festivals in different countries including Fringe Festival in Adelaide, Mona Foma in Tasmania, Lollapalooza Festival in Argentina (Vinay was one of the first Santoor players to play in an orchestra in Argentina), Festival of Tabla in L.A., KBF Festival in Arizona, Kussum Mahotsav TSA in NJ, Darpan in Texas, Jaipur Literature Festival, SwarZankar in Pune, Swar Samarat Festival in Kolkata, NMACC in Mumbai, Hamsadhwani, Matra in Kolkata, Starglam Entertainment in Canada, among many others. Though specializing in Indian Classical Music, Vinay has worked with all genres with shows of Bollywood music, Hollywood music, Theater and drama music, etc. He is known for his meditative and dynamic musical phrases. His devotion to the purity and the depth of Shivkumar Sharma’s style comes forth in performance. Vinay continues to spread his Guru’s work not only through performances but also teaching and lecturing at different places. He has performed with legends including Pandit Anindo Chatterjee, Ustad Tari khan, Ustad Sukhvinder Singh Pinky. and some of the most glamorous upcoming Tabla players. Vinay is known for his superlative melodic improvisations and sharp sense of rhythm. He has an astonishing ability to embrace, dive into and reinterpret traditional music.
Vivek Pandya
Vivek Pandya is a rising star in the world of Indian classical percussion, widely regarded as one of the most promising young tabla players of his generation. His journey began at the age of three when his parents first noticed his uncanny precision as he playfully mimicked rhythmic patterns on the tabla. Recognizing his natural talent, his father took a keen interest in his musical development and decided to take him to study formally. This early exposure to formal training set him on a path that would soon reveal his exceptional musicality and innate understanding of rhythm.
Trained for over 15 years under Pt. Anindo Chatterjee, Vivek has developed a distinctive style that blends technical brilliance with deep artistic expression. Known for his exceptional clarity and control, he has mastered complex techniques such as the intricate dhir dhir and the challenging one-finger na dhin dhin na, which add depth and complexity to his performances.
Vivek made his national debut on NYC radio, and has since performed at prestigious venues, including Lincoln Center in New York City and the EMPAC Concert Hall at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. His captivating performances—both as a soloist and as an accompanist to renowned musicians—have earned him recognition as an upcoming young maestro in the world of Indian percussion.
In addition to his classical music performances, Vivek has explored new musical frontiers through projects like the albums “Strive” and “20 for 20,” where he collaborates with artists from diverse genres, expanding the reach of the tabla. His versatility and dedication continue to earn him admiration, and he is widely regarded as one of the most exciting tabla players to watch in the coming years.
With his technical brilliance, creative vision, and unwavering commitment to his craft, Vivek Pandya is on the path to becoming a defining figure in the world of tabla, poised to influence generations to come.

Arati Ankalikar Tikekar: August 15th 2026
2026-08-15 17:30 - 19:30 | Chinmaya Mission Toronto, 8832 The Gore Road, Brampton, Ontario, L6P 0B1, Canada
Dear Friends,

We regret to inform you that the upcoming performance of Arati Ankalikar Tikekar, scheduled for August 15th has been cancelled due to unavoidable circumstances.

Ticketholders will be contacted directly.

Thank you for your understanding.

We hope to see you during our fall season at the Aga Khan Museum.

The Raag-Mala Team

Raag-Mala Toronto is proud to present a vocal recital by Arati Ankalikar Tikekar on Saturday August 15th at 5:30pm at Chinmaya Mission Toronto.

Arati Ankalikar Tikekar is one of the leading vocalists of Indian Classical Music. She began her training with Late Pandit Vasantrao Kulkarni of the Agra/Gwalior gharanas (singing traditions), and subsequently received training from many great artists such as the late Gaanasarawati Kishori Amonkar (Jaipur-Atrauli), Late Pandit Dinkar Kaikini (Agra) and Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar (Gwalior).
She has taken influences from the various gharanas and created a style of singing that is suited to her unique tonal quality and vocal range. Whether she is singing a bada khayal (which requires a gradual elaboration of a raag from a slow tempo to a rapid one towards its end), or performing a light-hearted thumri or singing a bhajan, Arati’s captivating badhat (development of the composition) and the passion she imbues in her renditions are what make her a favourite among aficionados and won over newer listeners of raag sangeet (Indian classical music).
Arati has also sung film songs for Hindi, Marathi and regional cinemas. She received the best play back singer award for Konkani film Anternaad in 2006 and for the Marathi film Samhita in 2012. She also received numerous awards such as the Maharashtra State Award as the best playback singer, V. Shantaram Award and the Maharashtra Times Award for a Marathi Film.
Arati has performed at several prestigious conferences in India, such as the Sawai Gandharva Mahotsav (Pune), Tansen Sangeet Samaroh (Gwalior) and Dover Lane Music Conference (Kolkota) and also performed extensively in Canada and many other countries, where she made tireless efforts in spreading awareness of raag sangeet.
She last performed on the Aga Khan Museum stage in 2019, and we are delighted to have this artist, at the height of her music career, present a full concert of raag sangeet.
Arati ji will be accompanied by local artists Samidha Joglekar & Anuja Panditrao (vocal accompaniment), Rigved Deshpande (tabla) and Sushant Anantharam (harmonium)
Tickets:
Members (*including Patrons): $35
Non-Members: $40
Please send an etransfer to raagmalatorontopayments@gmail.com
Benefactors receive complimentary tickets
*This concert is not part of our regular concert season
