Indian Classical Music Instrument-Making Workshop and ConcertInfo Location Contact More Info Event Information
DescriptionDr Kanav Gupta and Dr Joanne Cormac of The University of Nottingham’s Music Department are proud to present an exciting opportunity to explore the world of Indian classical music. This special event includes a workshop on the craft of instrument making and a live lecture-recital by renowned maestros of the tradition. It brings together two hereditary luthiers from India, Naba Kumar Kanji and his daughter Pallabi Kanji, along with accomplished maestros Arnab Chakrabarty and Shahbaz Hussain. 11am - 12pm - Instrument-making Workshop 1pm - 2:45pm - Concert: A Midsummer Sarod Dream Luthiers: Naba Kumar Kanji; Pallabi Kanji Maestros: Arnab Chakrabarty (sarod); Shahbaz Hussain (tabla)
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More InformationInstrument-Making Workshop The Kanji family has perfected the creation of bespoke instruments integral to the classical traditions of India for generations. In a one-hour workshop, the Kanjis, accompanied by their translator Arnab Chakrabarty—a distinguished sarod player, instrument designer, and long-time collaborator—will guide participants through the intricate design of the sarod, one of India’s most sophisticated classical instruments. Naba will demonstrate the construction process by repairing and assembling a deconstructed sarod in real time, revealing the interplay of materials, acoustics, and aesthetics that define its sound. Participants will have the opportunity to handle various components of the sarod, feeling the textures of woods, skins, bone, and metal that give the instrument its unique character. This hands-on experience is designed to spark curiosity among those interested in instrument making, musicology, or the cultural heritage of the subcontinent as well as acoustics, design and materiality studies. Lecture Recital: A Midsummer Sarod Dream The workshop sets the stage for an immersive lecture-recital, featuring maestros Arnab Chakrabarty on the sarod and Shahbaz Hussain on the tabla. This performance is a window into the profound beauty of Hindustani music, a tradition that weaves melody, rhythm, and emotion into a deeply expressive form. Recognizing that this music may be new to many in Nottingham, the two maestros will pause to explain the structures and stories behind their performance, offering a welcoming entry point for newcomers. Their interplay promises to captivate, whether you are a seasoned listener or encountering this tradition for the first time.
The two events represent an invitation to engage with a living tradition through the hands, voices, and insights of some of its foremost practitioners. Opportunities for dialogue with the Kanjis, Arnab Chakrabarty, and Shahbaz Hussain will allow the participants to ask questions and deepen their understanding of this musical world. Whether you are interested in global music culture, or simply curious about the art of instrument making, this event offers a chance to connect with one of the world’s most advanced musical traditions in an intimate and inspiring setting. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||