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India Currents gave me a voice in days I was very lost. Having my articles selected for publishing was very validating – Shailaja Dixit, Executive Director, Narika, Fremont
Rita Sahai, prolific Bay Area composer, virtuoso singer and teacher of Hindustani classical music, has received yet another distinguished award! “Inner Thirst” ~ Jiyaa ki Pyaas, a selection from “Jalaranjani ~ The Moods of Water,” has won Global Music Award Honors and a Bronze Medal in the World Music category.
“Jalaranjani ~ The Moods of Water,” was a stunning Hindustani choral concert performed in Fremont, CA on November 21, 2015 by Rita Sahai and her Vasundhara Choir. All of the songs were about attuning to the different moods of water; the journey of life. The CD and DVD are available at http://www.RitaSahai.com and the winning Global Music Award entry is listed on the Global Music Awards website at http://www.globalmusicawards.c
Rita Sahai has also been recently appointed as director of the North Indian Vocal Ensemble at San Francisco State University’s School of Music. Hindustani-style vocal classes at SFSU for Spring 2017 will begin on Friday, January 27th from 11-1 p.m in CA 146, introducing the melodic and rhythmic concepts that shape North India’s classical musical tradition.
Ms. Sahai has also held a similar post at UC Davis for many years, where she is Director of the Hindustani Vocal Ensemble. At UC Davis, students learn the basics of Hindustani music theory through group singing. Students learn five ragas per term through scale practice, short compositions and improvisation. The classes at UC Davis meet on Mondays, 4:00–6:00 pm.
Ms. Sahai is a renowned disciple of Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, noted for her unique role as composer, vocalist and educator. “Khansahib,” as she affectionately called her guru, gave her the title Gayan Alankar (Jewel of Music).