Creating music with a tabla player is a unique experience for a guitarist.

It was a memorable experience for the guests who were able to experience the spirit of sound and music. The Consulate General of India, New York in association with the Chinmaya Organization for Rural Development organized a guitar recital by Mr. Ravi Iyer on May 09, 2014.

Mr. Ravi Iyer

Mr. Ravi Iyer has made a mark as one of India’s most talented rock guitarists. Accompanied by talented tabla players - Mr. Ashish Shanbhag and Master Ritvik Yaparpalvi, Mr. Iyer enthralled the audience with his distinct style - not playing entire ragas - but playing tunes based on well known carnatic ragas.

(L to R) Master Ritvik Yaparpalvi, Mr. Ashish Shanbhag, Mr. Ravi Iyer

'Todi Jaldi’, based on the carnatic raga Todi, had the audience in a trance with its  rhythm-play. ‘The Rain Song’ in the carnatic raga Brindabani Sarang with vibrant percussions, and stunning guitar improvisations had an energetic climax in the classical 'jhala' style. All the pieces had a distinct and pronounced Indianness to them.

Consul General Mr. Dnyaneshwar M. Mulay, spoke about the promotion of Indian culture and language by the Consulate among the mainstream American and second generation Indian Americans. Ms. Supriya Krishnakumar's presentation on Chinmaya Organization for Rural Development (CORD) with a brief talk by Mr. William Burke highlighted the efforts of CORD in improving the lives of people in Indian villages.

Mr. William Burke

The concert appealed to both Indian and western audiences, besides those who love to experiment with music.