Event Details

Listening Session on the Artistry of Alla Rakha
Guided by Yogesh Samsi

An NCPA Presentation

Supported by Citi

This event makes available to lovers of Indian music, priceless recordings of the great masters from the archives of the NCPA.

Alla Rakha Qureshi (1919-2000) was trained in tabla under Miyan Qadir Baksh, the virtuoso of the Punjab gharana. He was also trained in classical vocal music by Ashiq Ali Khan of the Patiala gharana. After a short stint with All India Radio and the Bombay Film Industries, he went back to the world of classical music and popularised the art of the tabla, playing across the globe with several north and south Indian musicians. His musical partnership with sitar maestro Ravi Shankar was particularly successful, delighting audiences in the West with his percussive wizardry, not only as an accompanist with flawless timing and sensitivity but also as a soloist where he was a master of improvisation. A devoted teacher, Alla Rakha trained his three sons including the inimitable maestro Zakir Hussain and a host of other students.

This session will be guided by one of Alla Rakha’s senior disciples, Yogesh Samsi, the son of Agra gharana stalwart, Dinkar Kaikini. Samsi is known for his ability to play the tabla solo as well as accompany both vocal and instrumental music. As a guru, his pedagogical approach has helped nurture and evolve the ideology of the Punjab gharana.

The session will include excerpts of some of Alla Rakha’s recordings specially made between 1973 and 1976 at the NCPA, featuring the talas Dhamar, Pancham-Sawari, Teental, Jhaptal and more. Highlighting the uniqueness of his guru’s musical style, Samsi will also share some interesting anecdotes about this celebrated master-musician.

Entry free
Admission on a first-come-first-served basis.