Mystical Sitar | Shri Harmeet Singh Virdee & Shri Amritpal Rasiya | Rāg Kirwani | Tāl Tīntāl | HD

London Baithak Series

Harmeet Singh Virdee - Sitar
Amritpal Singh Rasiya - Tabla

Rāg: Kirwani
Tāl: Tīntāl

Taking inspiration from the legendary musician late Ustad Vilayat Khan, Shri Harmeet Virdee is known for creating original sounds using Indian traditions which evoke deep emotions. His style oozes of bending micro notes and rhythmic structures from the Indian ragas of the Hindustani (North Indian) style of music. He is one of the U.K.’s finest Sitar maestros and has performed worldwide he has been trained by Sitar maestro Ustad Dharamvir Singh MBE whose style of Sitar is a close representation of the Indian vocal style of singing referred to as the ‘gayaki style’ of playing. He continues the legacy of teaching and performing by his father by going to meet seeing Virdee (1937 - 2005) an inspirational musician who touched the hearts of students the world over. Harmeet continues to teach as a part of Darbar festivals ‘Indian classical course’ at the Southbank Centre each year, and is the perfect choice for any workshops or lecture demonstrations for audiences new to Indian classical music.

Amritpal Singh Rasiya is a vibrant musician whose recognition is growing fast to be one of the leading Tabla players in the UK, representing the ‘Punjab Gharana’ school of Tabla and being a senior disciple of one of the world’s finest Tabla players, Pandit Yogesh Samsi of the Ustad Allarakha legacy.

Amritpal has been actively performing in many prestigious events, namely guest artist at the BBC Dance Proms at Royal Albert Hall, television appearance as guest artist on BBC Young Dancer and recently led a four Tabla player ensemble concert at the prestigious Darbar Festival at Southbank, London.

With a diverse array of skills, known for his in depth understanding of complex rhythms as well having the ability to grasp spontaneous musical patterns on the spot. His experience ranges from performing Tabla solo as well as dance (contemporary, Kathak), Indian Classical Instrumental and vocal styles. Able to perform with many genres of music, he has accompanied the likes of Indian Classical, Western Classical, Jazz and Fusion as well as Meditative/Spiritual music with some of the leading masters in their fields.

Keen to share his knowledge, Amritpal is also actively involved in teaching and performing lecture demonstrations throughout UK and Europe as well as running regular Tabla/Rhythm classes and workshops. Amritpal is a key sound therapist for StressManagement.co.uk and the Institute Of Mindfulness and Transpersonal Psychology (Alhama, Spain) hosting a number of wellbeing repeats across the world.

Venue: SOAS University
Date: 15th September 2018

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