By Renu Mehta
TORONTO: The Pandit Jasraj Institute of Music is presenting renowned Dhrupad vocalists Padmashree Pandits Ramakant and Umakant Gundecha – famously known as the Gundecha Brothers – to audiences in Toronto. The concert, to be held on May 10 at the Sringeri Vidya Bharti Foundation, will feature the legends along with Shri Akhilesh Gundecha on Pakhawaj.
“Umakant Gundecha and Ramakant Gundecha, known as the Gundecha Brothers, are legendary Dagarvani dhrupad singers,” says Dr. Amit Arya, founder and director of the Pandit Jasraj Institute of Music in Toronto.
“They have received the fourth highest civilian award in India – the Padma Shree in 2012 in the field of Art – Indian Classical Music – Vocal – Madhya Pradesh.”
Netra Unni, a young student of Amit Arya at the Pandit Jasraj Institute of Music, will be the introductory artist at the concert. It will also feature Shri Amit Arya (vocal) who will be accompanied by Shri Kiran Morarji on tabla and Shri Raya Bidaye on harmonium.
“Amit Arya is a very sensitive and remarkable young Indian classical singer. It is remarkable that he was born in Canada, and yet is able to sing and perform at such a high level. We wish him all the success for his musical life and would recommend him as an extremely talented upcoming musician of the younger generation,” say the Gundecha Brothers.
Launched in 2011, the Pandit Jasraj Institute of Music in Toronto (www.panditjasrajinstitute.ca) aims to propagate Indian classical vocal music among students of all ages and levels and carry on the legacy of the Mewati Gharana which symbolizes the rich cultural traditions and values of India. The Institute offers classes in Hindustani classical music for students who wish to learn the traditional Guru Shishya Parampara.
The Institute is open to students of all ages, races, religions who are eager to learn music in the Mewati tradition.
Interested audiences can call 647-853-4482 or email pjimtoronto@pjim.org.
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