About the artists
Shree Umakant and Ramakant Gundecha (vocal) and Shree Akhilesh Gundecha (pakhawaj) are among the most highly acclaimed performers of Dagar style Dhrupad in their generation. Miss Subha Shankaran (surbahar-bass sitar) is a well known international performer and a disciple of the Gundecha Brothers and the great surbahar maestro Ustad Imrat Khan.
About Dhrupad
Dhrupad is an ancient musical devotional practise and the oldest surviving classical music form in India. Dhrupad is based on NADA YOGA (the yoga of sound). Its' aim is trancendence of the self through performance of raga. Each of the many ragas of North Indian music are considered to have a soul or spirit and are closely associated with a particular mood and time of day or season. Dagar Dhrupad performance is distinguished by a long, slow and intricate development of Raga, purity of tuning, graceful ornamentation, improvisation, and a repetoire of bandishes [songs] handed down through the family lineage over 20 generations spanning 500 years. Only in the last 30 years has this music been passed to people outside of the Dagar family.

About the workshop
The Gundecha Brothers will be running a weeklong intensive workshop and giving private lessons during the last week of September 2005. The workshop will be a rare opportunity to learn this ancient art in an intimate and supportive setting, as well as gain a deeper understanding of Indian music in general. The Gundecha Brothers have taught workshops of this type at festivals and universities around the world. Please read the workshop info below for more information.

Gundecha Brothers Dhrupad workshop....... more info

6 sessions; Friday September 16th, then intensive from Sunday 25th until Thursday 29th September. 3 hour per session.

- The cost of the workshop is $250, concession available upon negotiation [call chris 97181118]. A $50 non-refundable deposit will be required to hold a place, full payment is due by the 16th September.

-A limited number of places are available for this workshop; pay early to ensure your place.

-methods of payment; Cash, cheque, or money order. Either at Blue Moon Records, 54 Johnson St., Fitzroy. Or to Chris Sprague, 265 Flat Rock Rd., Hurstbridge, 3099. (make cheques out to Chris Sprague).

-The first session will be run by Chris Sprague and take place on Friday 16th September at 6:30pm. All other sessions will be run by The Gundecha Brothers and be held from Sunday 25th until Thursday 29th at 6:30pm. A short informal performance by the workshop participants will be held at 8:30 on the last night [friends and family welcome].

-The first session will cover some basics of Dhrupad style, the Sa Re Ga Ma solfege system, nom-tom syllables, rhythmic cycles, etc. Written material will be provided.

-It is anticipated that all sessions will be in the Fitzroy/Northcote area [in a venue to be confirmed].

-For bookings:
Chris Sprague
www MelbourneMusic.info
? mail@MelbourneMusic.info
? 61 3 97181118