(HIGHLAND PARK, NJ) -- On February 1, Talavya delivered a high-energy performance that demonstrated the modern adaptability of classical Indian drumming at IM Gallery in Highland Park. With an audience packed to standing room only, the three musicians seamlessly wove in and out of the compositions, sometimes playing in unison, sometimes trading off.
Over the course of the hour and a half long concert, the audience was transfixed by both virtuosic speed and delicate precision. The tabla ensemble was made up of Rushi Vakil (son of composer Pandit Vakil), Kaumil Shah, and Mike Lukshis, a non-Indian American disciple of Pandit Divyang Vakil. Together with Rohan Prabhudesai on harmonium, Talavya wowed all in attendance with their syncronization, musicianship, and showmanship.
Pandit Divyang Vakil (known as Guruji, or “respected teacher”) is a maestro of tabla and rhythm, renowned for his teaching excellence and intricate rhythm compositions; and a teacher of philosophy.
In his expansive music teaching career of over 35 years, he has produced innumerable music professionals. A prolific rhythm expert, his work as a composer extends well beyond tabla. As a tabla composer, he has given shape to a contemporary form of classical tabla playing though his body of work that numbers in the tens of thousands of compositions. As a rhythm composer, he has created works for a variety of instruments including African djembe, Korean janggu, drumkit, zen tambour, dholak, and more.
A spiritual guide and teacher of philosophy, Pandit Vakil does not belong to any tradition or religion and seeks to provide a balanced and unbiased perspective. His understanding of the mundane and subtler world lends itself to teachings that can be utilized by all. Disseminating essential knowledge of complex ideas in a simple manner, he tirelessly works to remove incorrect knowledge, one of the main reasons for confusion and human suffering.
Global ambassadors for Indian percussion, contemporary classical tabla ensemble Talavya is a leading example of tradition and modernity coming together seamlessly.
Created by Indian rhythm maestro Pandit Divyang Vakil, the Indian hand-drums tabla comes to the center stage in the hands of the young, highly trained players of Talavya – a tabla ensemble that revels in the tablas’ hidden potency as a rhythmic and melodic instrument capable of expressing just about anything. This high-energy and dynamic percussion ensemble making the centuries-old art form of tabla accessible to all.
The intensity and generosity of Talavya keeps to the spirit of Indian classical art, while expanding its palette and its audience. Each performance moves between rousing peaks and slower, smooth meditative passages not usually associated with percussion. It engages the pure sonic energy of Indian traditions, the narrative possibilities of the drum, and the wide-open spaces for improvisation, creativity, and personal expression Indian arts offer.
Ambassadors for Indian percussion, Talavya has collaborated with artists such as Mickey Hart (of Grateful Dead), Shakura S’Aida, Sidi Toure and Cuban Fire. As educators, the ensemble has led workshops and residencies across the world.
Currently, Talavya performs a work entitled Tabla Ecstasy. Past ensemble compositions include Pandit Divyang Vakil's creations Tabla Taandav, Tabla Triveni, Tabla Tarkhat, and Ardha Taal Chakra.
