Whilst Autumn saw the return of the renowned Indika Festival, a New Year offers an opportunity to embrace fresh starts with Milap’s thoughtfully crafted Spring season. Immerse yourself in a harmonious blend of Milap favourites, innovative East-meets-West compositions, and a headline performance by “India’s leading sitar player” – appearing for the first time ever in Liverpool.
The Spring Season will begin with Milap’s annual return to the Liverpool International Jazz Festival, on Saturday 24 February, with The Attuned Quartet.Â
The group, featuring Omar Puente (electric violin), Jack Jennings (guitar), Gurdain Rayatt (tabla) and Santi Jayasinha (cello), are forging their own path with an uniquely authentic approach to Indian classical music.
Each composition is constructed individually, creating an intriguing environment for improvisation to take place. Melodic material is based on the Raags of North and South India, with harmonic elements developed to enrich their character.
Though embodying the complex rhythms of Indian music, the overall landscape of the ensemble draws much from Latin and Jazz traditions. These contrasting rhythms, when layered into arrangements, flow together seamlessly to create real impact.
A luminous talent within the realm of Indian classical music, on Wednesday 24 April, Debasmita Bhattacharya will be joined by Milap artist-in-residence Kousic Sen for a special instalment of The Tung Auditorium’s lunchtime concert series.
Offering the perfect midday melodies, Bhattacharya not only boasts a profound comprehension of classical traditions, but also possesses an innovative spirit, revitalising the timeless essence of Hindustani music.
Her musical journey started at an early age, having since evolved into the powerhouse musician she is today, touring across India and internationally with numerous cross-genre musicians, breaking down gender stereotypes along the way.
The final show of the Spring Season on Friday, 10 May will feature world-renowned sitar player and maverick musician, Niladri Kumar, as he performs in Liverpool for the first time ever, alongside virtuoso percussionists Kousic Sen and Yashwant Vaishnav.Â
Celebrating Classical Indian Heritage through his own unique, captivating, and much-loved style, Niladri Kumar captures the heart of audiences and stirs the soul.
Widely acknowledged as India’s foremost sitar player, Kumar’s musical prowess spans generations, rooted in an innate understanding of Indian Classical Music. Trained under his father, a disciple of Pandit Ravi Shankar, Kumar was heralded as a prodigy, and has been pushing boundaries ever since.
His groundbreaking creation of the “zitar” – a fusion of electric guitar and sitar – generates a unique rock-guitar sound. His sitar mastery, marked by dexterous double stops, whispering string bends and rapid taans, creates a sound like no other.
Joining Niladri is maestro Indian percussionist, Kousic Sen, and the prodigious tabla player, Yashwant Vaishnav.
Continuously pushing the boundaries of Indian music and dance – and inviting attendees to come along for the journey – Milap encourages the discovery of new sounds and artistry, creating a welcoming environment for new and old audiences to enjoy the best of what Indian art and culture offers.Â
Milap Sprin 2024 Season Events Listings
LIJF X Milap – The Attuned Quartet
Saturday, 24 February / 1pm
The Capstone Theatre, 17 Shaw Street, Liverpool L6 1HP
Tickets – £15
Debasmita Bhattacharya & Kousic Sen
Wednesday, 24 April / 1pm
The Tung Auditorium, 60 Oxford Street, Liverpool L7 3NY
Tickets – FREE
Niladri Kumar, Kousic Sen & Yashwant Vaishnav
Friday, 10 May / 7:30pm
The Tung Auditorium, 60 Oxford Street, Liverpool L7 3NY
Tickets – £15/12
