The Abundant Circle

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9
Time: 3:00pm - 5:00pm

Cost: Reservations for this free event are now full.

RSVPs for Sampurna are now full including the waiting list. We will be confirming reservations the week of the concert so if anyone else is interested in attending they can call or e-mail Brand Library on Thursday, October 6 to see if seats have become available.

In a time where tradition and innovation coexist, the shared program of Sampurna: The Abundant Circle juxtaposes steadfast classical ideology with a pursuit for modern sensibility.

The first half of the concert features young Americans who bridge time and culture through an exciting fusion of South Indian classical music and jazz. Vocalist and percussionist Aditya Prakash joins forces with progressive jazz outfit Le J Trio to perform a collection of improvisations that breaks boundaries and pushes convention aside. With their musical roots intact, the quartet encourages an open dialogue as they build upon each other’s respective traditions.

U.S.-born Prakash has been surrounded by South Indian classical music his entire life. Having studied with the greatest gurus here and in India, he now performs worldwide. Le J Trio is comprised of versatile musicians Julian Le, Owen Clapp and Jake Jamieson. Together, they aim to create a new synthesis of jazz, hip-hop and funk.

The second half of the concert showcases a classic presentation by veena virtuoso Suman Laha and tabla master Abhiman Kaushal. The duo’s mastery of North Indian classical music combined with an astonishing level of technical precision give them the freedom to create music that is sublime, introspective and ecstatic. As the raga (mode) of the 17-string veena is uplifted by the tala (rhythm) of the tabla, a direct path to the divine opens from within.

Born in Calcutta, Suman Laha plays in the traditional Dhrupad style – widely considered the most sacred and authentic in Hindustani classical music. Recognized as a genius of his generation, U.S.-based Abhiman Kaushal concertizes internationally and is a faculty member at UCLA.

Reception to follow.