Indian Classical Music and Arts Foundation (ICMA) is excited to announce the ICMA Artist Appreciation Awards 2020 and #IsolatedYetTogether Mini-Concert Series, to honor and appreciate musicians engaged in the ongoing pursuit of excellence in Indian classical music as a response to the COVID-19 impact on the artist community. This three-month mini-concert series was inaugurated by Pt. Jasraj on Saturday, May 23rd, at 9:30pm IST. Click here to learn more..
Past Events...
20 Oct 2019 for "The Alchemist / परिसस्पर्श" - A special tribute to Pt. Jitendra Abhisheki by Mahesh Kale
Let’s rewind the clock about four years... to the cusp of the musical phenomenon that was about to sweep audiences off their feet and create a new wave of appreciation for Indian classical music. That phenomenon was the 2015 musical film “Katyar Kaljat Ghusli” and you have all been a part of the exhilarating musical movement that has followed. Now some of you may know that the movie is actually a revival of the 1960’s hit musical with the same title. It’s hard to believe that much of the film’s music -- that today plays from our iPhones and bluetooth speakers -- was actually composed and first popular over 60 years ago! But what is it about this music that is so enchanting, so timeless, and so inspiring that it has attracted people from all walks of life and especially the younger generation? Who was it that seeded this inspiration?
ICMA Foundation is very excited to bring to you our humble tribute to the original creator of this music, and to one of the most prolific Indian classical musicians of all time, in a very special concert presented by his youngest disciple and ICMA’s very own Mahesh Kale: “The Alchemist: Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki - The Maestro with a Golden Touch” in English, "परिसस्पर्श: पं. जितेन्द्र अभिषेकी - एक सुवर्ण सोहळा" in Marathi. National Award-winner Mahesh Kale is Abhishekibua’s youngest disciple, and has dedicated his life to carrying forward his guru’s musical legacy and philosophies, and to spreading the joy of music. On October 20th, in this very special concert, Mahesh Kale will not only take us through the depth and breadth of Abhishekibua’s music, but will share glimpses of the guru who inspired him.
Joining him will be an ensemble of stellar traditional instrumentalists from India - Nikhil Phatak (tabla), Rajiv Tambe (harmonium), Prasad Joshi (pakhawaj), and Kedar Gulavani (violin). This event will be brought to you in collaboration with our community partner Maharashtra Mandal of Bay Area (MMBA). On 20th Oct 2019 at the Santa Clara Convention Center Theater. Click here to buy your tickets...
Joining him will be an ensemble of stellar traditional instrumentalists from India - Nikhil Phatak (tabla), Rajiv Tambe (harmonium), Prasad Joshi (pakhawaj), and Kedar Gulavani (violin). This event will be brought to you in collaboration with our community partner Maharashtra Mandal of Bay Area (MMBA). On 20th Oct 2019 at the Santa Clara Convention Center Theater. Click here to buy your tickets...
Indian Jazz Journey at Stanford Jazz Festival 2019 featuring Mahesh Kale, Stanley Jordan, George Brooks, and Subhankar Banerjee on June 23
The duo whose Indian-Jazz fusion has swept us away before is back! Get ready for another round of the globally-inspired music we all loved...this time infused with a touch more tradition, and two more stellar artists joining the stage. On June 23, at Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA.
We're thrilled to announce that ICMA's very own star vocalist Mahesh Kale will be returning home to the Bay Area to perform once again with jazz virtuoso George Brooks. And we’re even more excited that they’ll be joined this time by the renowned guitarist Stanley Jordan and India-based tabla maestro Pt. Subhankar Banerjee, for an Indian-inspired jazz fusion concert experience
.Co-presented with the Stanford Jazz Festival, Indian Jazz Journey will be a chance to experience the magic that happens when four musical masters - each one deep and dexterous in their own traditions - are drawn together by the power of music to transcend boundaries and inspire imagination.
Click here for tickets and more info...
Click here for tickets and more info...
Indian Jazz Journey at Stanford Jazz Festival 2018 featuring Kala Ramnath, George Brooks, and Bickram Ghosh - June 24, 2018
Continuing our sold-out collaboration of last year’s Stanford Jazz Festival, ICMA Foundation co-presents with Stanford Jazz, presenting jazz virtuoso George Brooks and Indian classical music star Mahesh Kale reunite for a performance that transcends cultural and musical barriers. Featuring renowned Indian percussionist Bickram Ghosh, this performance of otherworldly sounds creates an intriguing blend of jazz energy and Indian ragas and rhythms. As many of you may already know, ICMA's founder, Mahesh is a phenomenon around the world, beloved for his enchanting, soaring voice and his unique ability to interweave classical and popular music. Saxophonist George Brooks has a colossal tone, intuitive creative leaps, and a commanding technique. The go-to horn-master for blues giants like Etta James and Albert Collins, he helped to create the electrifying genre of Indian/jazz fusion with world-class virtuosi such as Zakir Hussain, John McLaughlin, and the late Larry Coryell. Together, Mahesh, George, Bickram, and their world-class rhythm section of bassist Kai Eckhardt and keyboardist Osam Ezzeldin, will conjure otherworldly sounds steeped in Indian ragas and rhythms, creating an intriguing blend of jazz energy and Indian traditions.
CHANGE ANNOUCEMENT:
We have a last minute change and are excited to welcome Kala Ramnath to Indian Jazz Journey this year! A 2017 recipient of the prestigious Sangeet Natak Academy award— the highest award to which a Hindustani classical musician can aspire—for her contributions to the violin in Hindustani Classical Music — Kala-ji will be taking Mahesh Kale’s place at IJJ, with her captivating violin and vocals. She is also a world-renowned master of Carnatic music, and has numerous collaborations and fusion projects to her name; no matter the format, her performances are thrilling events. “If Mozart had been transported to the South Asian subcontinent, this is what he and improvised Western classical music might have sounded like,” said Jazzwise magazine.
Click here for tickets and more info...
We have a last minute change and are excited to welcome Kala Ramnath to Indian Jazz Journey this year! A 2017 recipient of the prestigious Sangeet Natak Academy award— the highest award to which a Hindustani classical musician can aspire—for her contributions to the violin in Hindustani Classical Music — Kala-ji will be taking Mahesh Kale’s place at IJJ, with her captivating violin and vocals. She is also a world-renowned master of Carnatic music, and has numerous collaborations and fusion projects to her name; no matter the format, her performances are thrilling events. “If Mozart had been transported to the South Asian subcontinent, this is what he and improvised Western classical music might have sounded like,” said Jazzwise magazine.
Click here for tickets and more info...
Past Events...
Soul Strings - Purbayan Chatterjee - Live in Concert
with Anubrata Chatterjee on Tabla - May 6, 2018 (Sun)
The mystical and iconic sitar has tugged at our heart strings over centuries and across the globe. The stirring sounds of the sitar have had tremendous musical influence through time and place, from its lilting melodies in the courts of India’s kings to its infusion in contemporary and world music genres. ICMA Foundation invites you to “Soul Strings” - an evening of soul-stirring music presented by Purbayan Chatterjee, the young sitar virtuoso dominating today’s global Indian Classical music stage. Click here for more info...
Mahesh Kale - Live in Concert
Sur Niragas Ho - Pure. Soulful. Transcendent. (Sep 16)
San Francisco-based Indian vocalist and recipient of the National Film Award conferred by the President of India, Mahesh Kale, along with an elaborate ensemble of stellar instrumentalists from India, will take us on the musical adventure that has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. Endearingly called the “unlikely rock star,” Kale has captivated audiences of all ages with his soulful performances that reflect an earnest reverence for the purity of the Indian classical music tradition while embracing experimentation, technology, and youthfulness. This is Kale’s first hometown feature concert since receiving the prestigious National Award. Click here for info.
"Indian Jazz Journey" with Mahesh Kale, George Brooks at Stanford Jazz Festival 2017 (Jun 25)
Jazz virtuoso George Brooks and Indian classical music visionary Mahesh Kale unite for a collaboration that transcends cultural and musical barriers. The performance will also feature South-Indian percussionist kanjira virtuoso V. Selvaganesh, German/Liberian electric bassist Kai Eckhardt, and Egyptian-born pianist Osam Ezzeldin. Click here for info.
"Katyar Kaljat Ghusli" - First exclusive international screenings! Click here for more..
ICMA Foundation is excited to bring to you the "First exclusive international screenings" of the critically acclaimed Marathi movie "Katyar Kaljat Ghusli". For enquiries for cities across US and for scheduled events in Bay Area, please click here...
Sambandh - Jugalbandhi with Pt. Kartik Seshadri (Sitar) and Sri. U. Rajesh (Mandolin)
We're happy to help promote a wonderful upcoming concert featuring renowned Hindustani Sitar exponent Pt. Karthik Seshadri. South India Fine Arts (SIFA) will be presenting-- Sambandh: Jugalbandi with Pt. Karthik Seshadri on Sitar and Sri. U Rajesh on Mandolin. It's a unique opportunity to experience a confluence of the two pre-dominant streams of Indian Classical Music, North Indian (Hindustani) and South Indian (Carnatic), in a sitar-mandolin jugalbandi with highly acclaimed artists of our generation. Concert will be held on April 9th (Sat) at 4:30 pm at the Santa Clara Convention Center. For tickets, click here.
Melange ...by the Bay! at Asia Week SF on 3 October (Sat) at Fort Mason Center SF
The show that captured the hearts of South Bay audiences is back, this time, by the bay. In proud partnership with Asia Week SF 2015, we can't think of a more fitting festival for Melange's San Francisco debut to celebrate art, culture, and heritage at Asia Week SF. Click here for details.
We are pleased to invite you to join us for the musical production Melange ...by the Bay! and the vibrant art exhibit, Glimpses of India, at the Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center, San Francisco, October 3, 2015 (Sat). Whether you’re new to Indian classical music or a long-time fan, Melange is a unique musical and cultural immersion experience that is sure to delight the hearts of all. Click here for details...
Vayu Vandanam - Shashank & Chaurasia - Flute Jugalbandi
South India Fine Arts (SIFA) and ICMA Foundation collaborate to bring to you "Vayu Vandanam" on April 26th at 4 pm.
A unique opportunity to experience a confluence of the two pre-dominant streams of Indian Classical Music, North Indian (Hindustani) and South Indian (Carnatic), in a flute jugalbandi with the most sought-after flautists of generation next: Vidwan Shashank Subramanyam & Vidwan Rakesh Chaurasia! Click here for details...
A unique opportunity to experience a confluence of the two pre-dominant streams of Indian Classical Music, North Indian (Hindustani) and South Indian (Carnatic), in a flute jugalbandi with the most sought-after flautists of generation next: Vidwan Shashank Subramanyam & Vidwan Rakesh Chaurasia! Click here for details...
Celebrating the Legend: A Journey into Sublime with Pt. Jasraj
World-renowned vocalist Pt. Jasraj will take us on a musical journey sure to stir the soul!
It's not everyday that we get a chance to witness legendary artists sharing not only their music, but the deep devotion and intense spirituality that moves them. Here at ICMA, and on the occasion of Janmashtami (birthday celebration of the Lord Krishna), we're really fortunate to have an opportunity to share an evening of music that transcends time and place with the doyen of Indian Classical Music, Padma Vibhushan Pandit Jasraj. Known for his soul-stirring and ethereal renditions, tremendous range, and countless contributions to the field of Indian Classical Music, Pandit Jasraj will take the stage, accompanied on Tabla by the great virtuoso Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri, for a special concert that is sure to please folks of all backgrounds and musical tastes. And what better venue for this once-in-a-lifetime concert than the iconic and majestic Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco? Don't miss your chance to be a part of a unique evening of soulful music and rare glimpses into the devoted life of a truly world class artist! Click here for details...
It's not everyday that we get a chance to witness legendary artists sharing not only their music, but the deep devotion and intense spirituality that moves them. Here at ICMA, and on the occasion of Janmashtami (birthday celebration of the Lord Krishna), we're really fortunate to have an opportunity to share an evening of music that transcends time and place with the doyen of Indian Classical Music, Padma Vibhushan Pandit Jasraj. Known for his soul-stirring and ethereal renditions, tremendous range, and countless contributions to the field of Indian Classical Music, Pandit Jasraj will take the stage, accompanied on Tabla by the great virtuoso Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri, for a special concert that is sure to please folks of all backgrounds and musical tastes. And what better venue for this once-in-a-lifetime concert than the iconic and majestic Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco? Don't miss your chance to be a part of a unique evening of soulful music and rare glimpses into the devoted life of a truly world class artist! Click here for details...
Shades of Gwalior: Dr. Pt. Vidyadhar Vyas
Dr. Pt. Vidyadhar Vyas, who is a senior exponent of Gwalior Gharana - the fountainhead of the Gharana (schools of music) system of Khyal music, through his music and demonstration, will shed light on the different shades there are to this Gharana.
The program will showcase the traditional bandishes and nuances typical of the Gwalior style of singing. Thank you to our patrons for attending several of our concerts, and donating for the cause. It is because of your continued support we are able to bring quality programs, here's the next one and free due to your continued patronage. (Tip: Most suited for music students, enthusiasts and the curious :)
Dr. Pt. Vidyadhar Vyas, who is a senior exponent of Gwalior Gharana - the fountainhead of the Gharana (schools of music) system of Khyal music, through his music and demonstration, will shed light on the different shades there are to this Gharana.
The program will showcase the traditional bandishes and nuances typical of the Gwalior style of singing. Thank you to our patrons for attending several of our concerts, and donating for the cause. It is because of your continued support we are able to bring quality programs, here's the next one and free due to your continued patronage. (Tip: Most suited for music students, enthusiasts and the curious :)
Two Traditions. Three distinguished artists. One magical evening.
ICMA invites you to join us for a rare treat of Indian classical music – "Two Traditions" ...bound together by one soul! Dhrupad - a form of Nada Yoga (yoga of sound), is an ancient and disciplined style of presenting Raga, that is deeply rooted in the Vedas and transports you back to a timeless space, giving you a spiritual experience. Khayal - a more modern adaptation, finds greater scope for improvisation without detracting from the grammar of the Raga. It is this stark contrast and striking similarity of these two preeminent genres, that we at ICMA, wish to present to you in this unique two-part concert. Come join us to see first-hand how Dhrupad and Khayal are at once so fundamentally similar, yet unique in the emotional appeal and atmosphere they elicit.
"Dhrupad: the soul of sound" will be showcased by The Gundecha Brothers, the impeccable duo and torch bearers of this oldest vocal genre of Hindustani classical music in practice today. "Khayal: the seed of thought" will feature the highly coveted and supremely melodious Dr. Prabha Atre, one of the senior-most living legends of Indian Classical Music. Click here for details...
ICMA invites you to join us for a rare treat of Indian classical music – "Two Traditions" ...bound together by one soul! Dhrupad - a form of Nada Yoga (yoga of sound), is an ancient and disciplined style of presenting Raga, that is deeply rooted in the Vedas and transports you back to a timeless space, giving you a spiritual experience. Khayal - a more modern adaptation, finds greater scope for improvisation without detracting from the grammar of the Raga. It is this stark contrast and striking similarity of these two preeminent genres, that we at ICMA, wish to present to you in this unique two-part concert. Come join us to see first-hand how Dhrupad and Khayal are at once so fundamentally similar, yet unique in the emotional appeal and atmosphere they elicit.
"Dhrupad: the soul of sound" will be showcased by The Gundecha Brothers, the impeccable duo and torch bearers of this oldest vocal genre of Hindustani classical music in practice today. "Khayal: the seed of thought" will feature the highly coveted and supremely melodious Dr. Prabha Atre, one of the senior-most living legends of Indian Classical Music. Click here for details...
ICMA in collaboration with Bay Area Performing Arts and India Community Center (ICC) presents 'Melange' as a part of "A memorable Musical Journey" celebrating Indian Classical Music on 13 Oct 2013. Click here for details...
ICMA in collaboration with Stanford University presented 'Song of the Divine', Kirtan - a musical tradition of western India on 4 May 2013. Click here for details...
ICMA supported Swami Vivekananda 150th Anniversary Celebration event with Pt. Jasraj, Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, Pt. Swapan Chaudhuri, and Pt. Shubhankar Banerjee at Flint Center on April 20th!
Special discount for ICMA Patrons: $10 discount off $75 ticket, and $7 discount off $65 ticket.
Special discount for ICMA Patrons: $10 discount off $75 ticket, and $7 discount off $65 ticket.
Our past event 'Melange' was a roaring success. It was held on 20 Oct 2012. Click here for details...
'My Father, Pt. Bhimsen Joshi' was very well received sold out performance. It was held on 2 June 2012. Click here for details...
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About ICMA Foundation
The Indian Classical Music and Arts Foundation (ICMA Foundation) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit founded by Indian Classical vocalist Mahesh Kale with a vision to spread the magic of Indian classical music among global audiences, and share with them a slice of authentic Indian cultural heritage. We aim to achieve this through meticulously planned and executed concerts, workshops, lecture-demonstration sessions and artist interactions. Our mission is to preserve, nurture and celebrate Indian classical music through activities and projects aimed at exposing global audiences to this art form and aiding its sustainment through charitable initiatives. To know more about how you can get involved or support us, click here. |
Mahesh Kale (Founder)
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