Chhandayan Musicians for Special Occasions Chhandayan sends out musicians for special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, receptions inaugurations etc. Although the most common and popular demand for such occasions is the Sitar and Tabla duet, yet the size and make of the ensemble is kept open and flexible to fit into the specific requirements of the presenter

 

This World Percussion Ensemble (WPE) showcases a variety of percussion instruments
from different parts of the world. Instruments are chosen from India, the Middle East, Africa,
South and North America. We have chosen the percussion instruments of these parts of the
world because of the richness of their percussion heritage and the variety of elements that
the chosen instruments represent. Pieces are composed and presented based on theme
and instrumentation.

 

All of the pieces are developed on powerful and exciting rhythms that reflect complex rhythmic
and melodic orchestrations. The group comprises some of the most dexterous and sensitive
drummers on the instruments. In this proposal, we include detailed bios of all the participants
in the WPE. We have further outlined the specifics of each instrument being played in this
ensemble. A brief history of the instrument is given, how it is made, what are the characteristic
tonal qualities of the instrument, and what, if any, is the contemporary significance of the
percussion instruments played in the WPE.

 

Concept: Some of the oldest traditions of our music, such as Indian music, were created at a
time when we had a better connection and relationship with Nature. We lived and grew together
in harmony nourishing each other as an integral part of the Creation. Music came as a spontaneous
outpour in response to the natural phenomenon manifested into human emotions. That is how
and why musical frequencies had an inevitable correspondence to the surrounding environment.
It came from Nature as a source of inspiration and influenced its listeners who are not only from the
animal world but also from every other aspect of the universe. Such is the power of music, if
presented in its real essence.

 

In the Indian tradition, Ragas, which may inadequately be described as melodic modes, were created
and meant to be performed at particular times of the day or year. This was because of the
correspondence of the frequencies embodied in those melodies with relevant conditions of Nature.
Thus the reciprocity of cause and effect was enhanced. In the present-day situation, when we have
somehow lost that communion with Nature, many of those concepts may have lost their proper
significance in our daily hectic lifestyle and we often tend to disrespect and discard what we cannot
easily comprehend. We force ourselves into frenzy when Nature is about to rest. We are tired when
Nature is ready with freshness. Dawn to Dusk reminds us of this Natural phenomenon of changing
energy not only in our environment but also in human behavior.

Renowned Indian classical music maestros present solo performances on two of the most celebrated instruments from North India.