Mehfil-e-Rose Hill: Shishir Rao

About

Khayal/Imagination. Delight and allow your imagination to flow as you experience "Khayal" vocals by Shishir Rao. Committed to bringing you quality music from South Asia, The Mehfil Space is delighted to bring you Shishir - who will perform Hindustani vocal tradition of khayal, meaning "imagination". Shishir will by accompanied by Himmet S Bahra on tabla, during this night of 'Mehfil - e - Rose Hill'- a year's programme of south Asian classical raag music. The concept of "Mehfil" is defined as "a gathering where music or poetry is performed for a small audience in an intimate setting."

Shishir Rao [https://zeroclassikal.org.uk/newvenues]is a Hindustani classical Khayal vocalist, with over twenty-five years of training under Sri. Nachiketa Yakkundi of the lineage of Padma Bhushan Pandit Basavraj Rajguru of the Kirana gharana. His musical education includes advanced studies at Kolkata's Sangeet Research Academy, and he performs regularly across India, the USA, and the UK. He hosts "OxKala," a podcast exploring South Asian classical music.At the heart of Shishirs approach to Khayal is receptive musicianship staying open to musical possibilities as they unfold in the moment. In performance, this philosophy comes alive through dynamic ensemble interaction, where each artist contributes vital ideas to the raga's development. Every concert becomes a collaborative dialogue, with all musicians collectively shaping the musical journey. This spirit of openness extends to the audience as well true to Khayal's meaning of imagination, he approaches each performance from first principles, inviting listeners to join him in discovering unexpected moments of beauty.

Opening set by debut of newly formed Persian String Collective,in collaboration withOne World Orchestra [https://www.oneworldorchestra.uk/]. Persian String Collective is a quartet of musicians of Iranian descent playing a mixture of traditional and contemporary instruments.

In the heart of an ancient Persian courtyard, four musicians converge, weaving together rich melodies that transport listeners to the enchanting landscapes of Iran. Ramin the Santoor player, with nimble fingers dancing across the strings, produces shimmering, ethereal notes reminiscent of distant rivers flowing through sun-drenched valleys. The instrument's delicate sound resonates like whispers of timeless stories carried by the wind. Ustad Ramin Rouholamin has played the santoor for over 40years having graduated from Radief Art University of Iran, where he learnt from Irans Santoor legends and Masters of this authentic traditional Iranian instrument.

Beside him, Amir Hossein Heydari the Kamanche player, cradling the four-stringed instrument with an air of reverence, draws soulful, deep tones that evoke the longing of a timeless love. As the bow glides across the strings, it paints an auditory tapestry of emotions that resonate with the very essence of the nations beloved Persian poets.

Through collaborations with various musical ensembles and teaching this beautiful instrument, I've dedicated my life to sharing the magic of music with others. With 13 years of experience, Amir Hossein Heydari is dedicated to soothing souls with the enchanting melodies of this traditional Iranian instrument.

Farhang is a celebrated tonbak player of 15years, renowned for his soulful interpretations of this transportative Persian drum. The tonbak, characterized by its deep, resonating tones and intricate rhythms, holds a special place in the sphere of Persian music, evoking the charm and mystique of ancient times. I started learning from Arjang kamkar and have had the opportunity to perform and study various traditional Persian rhythms. Over the years, Ive played in Iran with Sarvin ensemble and Ava ensemble. In the UK I performed with the Rva community and the I speek music Ensemble, and Im always looking to explore new musical collaborations. The tonbak has been such an important part of my musical journey, and Im excited to share it with others!

British born musician Sara Khoroosi, from Brightons very own Flamenco Jazz ensemble Clandestino, brings together these three wonderful Iranian musicians and joins them with her vibrant melodies on violin, in respect of her unknown yet familiar and heartfelt heritage, creating a harmonious dialogue of sound. Together the four musicians will conjure an atmosphere rich with the essence of ancient Persia, where history and music merge, inviting the audience to lose themselves in a world steeped in myth and beauty.

This event by The Mehfil Space, set up by local curator Atiya Gourlay, is collaborating with the Brighton community arts venue, The Rose Hill [https://www.therosehill.co.uk/events/mehfil-4-khayal-imagination] andZeroclassikal
[https://zeroclassikal.org.uk/newvenues] and One World Orchestra [https://www.oneworldorchestra.uk/].