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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
A vocalist, composer, and devoted scholar, the late Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki (1929-1998) was acclaimed for his deep perfection of Indian Classical Music and for his moving performances that stirred audiences beyond words. What is not as widely known is the sheer magnitude of musical work that he created. From rare ragas to folk and film songs, devotional “abhangs” to the mid-20th century revival of Marathi “Natya Sangeet,” or musical theater, Pandit Abhisheki is credited with hundreds of musical marvels and a timeless legacy of musical inspiration.
Bay Area- and India-based Mahesh Kale is Pandit Abhisheki’s youngest disciple, and has dedicated his life to carrying forward his guru’s legacy and philosophies and to spreading the joy of music. In 2015, he received the National Film Award, India’s equivalent of the Oscars, conferred by the President of India, for his playback singing in the film “Katyar Kaljat Ghusli,” the original music for which was composed over 60 years ago by Pandit Abhisheki at the height of the Marathi “Natya Sangeet” revival. On Sept 21, 2019, Mahesh Kale was awarded the “ICC Inspire Award” by the India Community Center in the San Francisco Bay Area – the largest secular community center in North America – in recognition of his contributions to Indian Classical Music and significant positive impacts in the community.
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. The Stanford Jazz Festival has referred to Kale as a “worldwide phenomenon, beloved for his enchanting, reverberant voice and his unique ability to interweave classical and popular music.”
In this special tribute concert, Mahesh Kale will take us through the depth and breadth of Pt. Abhisheki’s music, while sharing intimate glimpses and anecdotes of the guru who inspires him. Joining Kale will be an ensemble of stellar traditional instrumentalists traveling from India – Nikhil Phatak (tabla), Rajiv Tambe (harmonium), Prasad Joshi (pakhawaj), and Kedar Gulavani (violin). This event is presented by the Indian Classical Music and Arts (ICMA) Foundation in collaboration with community partner Maharashtra Mandal of Bay Area (MMBA).
The show, “The Alchemist: Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki – The Maestro with a Golden Touch” and “परिसस्पर्श: पं. जितेन्द्र अभिषेकी – एक सुवर्ण सोहळा” — presented by Mahesh Kale will take place on Sunday, October 20, 2019 at 2:00pm (with narration in English) and 5:30pm (with narration in Marathi) at The Santa Clara Convention Center theater.
For more information and tickets, please visit www.icmafoundation.org.
About ICMA Foundation
Founded in 2011 by vocalist Mahesh Kale, Indian Classical Music and Arts (ICMA) Foundation Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a vision to spread the magic of Indian classical music and arts among global audiences, and share with them a slice of authentic Indian cultural heritage. 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.
