MILAAP
Starring Violin Virtuoso L. Shenkar and Flute Maestro Rakesh Chaurasia With Pt. Abhijit Banerjee
Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 8pm
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L. Shenkar, born in Madras, was immersed in Carnatic music from an early age—studying vocals at two, violin at five, and mridangam at seven. He gave his first public concert at seven and later formed the historic Violin Trio with his brothers and Palghat Mani Iyer, performing with legends like Chembai Vaithyanatha Baghavatar and Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer.
In 1973, Shankar co-founded the band Turiyananda Sangeet with John McLaughlin, which became the groundbreaking Shakti, joined by Zakir Hussain and Vikku Vinayakram. Together, they co-wrote three influential albums, including Handful of Beauty, hailed by Downbeat as a masterpiece. Shenkar also toured globally with Hussain and Vinayakram, pioneering innovative Ragam Tanam Pallavi compositions in complex rhythms.
He recorded eight albums for ECM Records, collaborating with artists like Jan Garbarek, Don Cherry, and Trilok Gurtu, and performed in major jazz and world music festivals.
Expanding into other genres, Shenkar released acclaimed pop, rock, and electronic albums, and composed for the Oscar-winning Born Into Brothels. His film credits include The Last Temptation of Christ, The Passion of the Christ, Ali, and Queen of the Damned. His signature voice also featured in TV series like Heroes and Fear the Walking Dead.
Shenkar has worked with icons such as Frank Zappa, Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Madonna, and U2. His pop DVD One In A Million spent four weeks atop the U.S. Soundscan/Billboard charts.
He has performed at Nelson Mandela’s 80th birthday, the UN Peace Day Festival, and the 1988 Human Rights Now Tour alongside Springsteen and Gabriel.
In 2020, he released the progressive rock album Chepleeri Dream, featuring Jonathan Davis, Tony Levin, and Chester Thompson. His 2024 world music albums, Full Moon and Over the Stars, have drawn global praise—Full Moon reaching No.3 on the world music charts in January 2025.
Rakesh Chaurasia, the nephew and prodigious disciple of flute maestro Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, has established himself as a distinguished flautist, blending his unique style with the rich traditions of his renowned uncle.
A seasoned performer, Chaurasia has traveled the world multiple times, captivating audiences at both classical and contemporary concerts. He is also a highly sought-after studio musician, having collaborated with many of the leading figures in the Indian film industry.
His exceptional talent has earned him numerous accolades, including the Indian Music Academy Award, presented by the Honourable President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, in 2007. Other prestigious honors include the Aditya Birla Kalakiran Puraskar (2008), the Guru Shishya Award (2011), the IWAP-Pandit Jasraj Sangeet Ratna Award (2013), and the Pannalal Ghosh Puraskar (2013).
Chaurasia has been a prominent presence at major international festivals, including the WOMAD festival in Athens, WOMAD Earth Station in Europe, and the Festivals of India held in Russia, Japan, the United States, and Europe. He has also performed at the Festival of Saint-Denis in Paris and the Leicester International Music Festival in England. Notably, he was invited to conclude the 24-hour live BBC Radio broadcast celebrating Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s Silver Jubilee, reaching audiences worldwide.
In addition to his solo career, Chaurasia has toured with the Masters of Percussion and legendary tabla virtuoso Ustad Zakir Hussain, performing at prestigious venues around the world. He has also collaborated with internationally acclaimed artists such as Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer, and Joshua Redman.
Abhijit Banerjee stands as one of the foremost Indian musicians of the current era. Trained under the esteemed guidance of the late Pt. Jnan Prakash Ghosh, he has graced prestigious festivals both in India and internationally. Collaborating with Grammy-winning musicians such as L. Shenkar, Ry Cooder, Larry Coryell, and the Denmark Radio Jazz Orchestra, Abhijit has carved a niche for himself in the global music scene.
His performances have adorned renowned venues like Carnegie Hall in New York, Palais in Brussels, and the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London. Currently serving as the head of the tabla department at Chinmaya Viswa Vidyapeeth University in Pune and an adjunct faculty member at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), Abhijit's expertise extends beyond performance to education.
In addition to his contributions to Indian classical music, Abhijit has made significant strides in the realm of crossover music, both as a performer and a composer. With over 55 audio and video publications worldwide, his impact on the music industry is profound.
Recipient of the APPEX Fellowship from UCLA, Abhijit's academic journey reflects his diverse interests. He holds a graduate degree in English literature and a postgraduate degree in journalism.
As the founder and guiding force behind Dhwani Academy in India and the U.S, Abhijit is dedicated to preserving and promoting Indian cultural heritage through education and performance.
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