The local Indian community got a taste of what is yet to come in the future with the first Indian classical concert organized by the recently formed India Fine Arts Association of Nevada (IFAAN). Pandit Tarun Bhattacharya, the Master of Santoor, a classical musical instrument, and Tabla player Shivam Sudame mesmerized attendees with their flawless dazzling Santoor-Tabla performance.  

Tabla, a popular and known Indian instrument, is a pair of twin-hand drums that accompanies almost every musical setting. Santoor, a trapezoid shape complex instrument with over 100 strings, played with two wooden sticks, produced a soothing to thundering sound matching the numerous popular tunes of bygone eras. 

The Santoor-Tabla performance by the talented duo captivated an audience of the primary local Indian American immigrant community with a passion for a piece of Indian classical music. The team of a senior Bhattacharya and a much younger Sudame performed an uninterrupted first hour of classical melodic musical raags, followed by extended improvisations with ‘sawal-jawab’ or dialogues between the two artists, all before an audience of over 150 attendees. The concert added an attractive option to a diverse Vegas entertainment culture.

The 15-minute intermission added social conversation time among friends and acquaintances to enjoy an afternoon chai and samosa. The program continued after a half-time break, with Bhattacharya and Sudame moving on to folk music from different regions of India.

In welcoming guests, Nirmalya Chatterjee, one of the founders of IFAAN, introduced his other founding team members,  Shirish Limaye, Atul Malviya, and Subraniam “Subbu” Vaikuntham and their combined passion for bringing quality Indian classical music and movies to Vegas entertainment mecca. The inaugural concert brought over 40 sponsors reflecting solid support and direction to IFAAN’s future programming.

Concert Picture Album…Courtesy of Vic Chohan Photography