Listen to some of the most outstanding classical musicians in India.

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There is no single English word that can be used to easily translate the meaning of the word ‘Raga’. It is not quite a musical scale, it is not really a tune, it isn’t exactly a musical mode, but in many ways it is all of these things. To go to its root, raga means ‘to colour’, but also to be moved, to be affected and the intention of a raga is to evoke a mood, or a certain feeling in its audience. To feel raga in all its variety, ISF2020 goes to some of the most outstanding classical musicians in India. In the middle of a nation-wide lockdown, they dig deep into their repertoires and offer us songs of solace, inspiration and empathy. This is a rare chance to visit these outstanding musicians in the intimacy of their homes and, thanks to technology, sit with them virtually in the same room, rather than the giant concert halls that these musical legends usually fill.

Featured artists

Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and his sons Amaan and Ayaan speak to kinship and family bonds. They were all, happily, in the same place when India announced a strict lockdown. They take us to the source of their music – their home. They are sixth and seventh generation musicians, and their instrument sarod, is a member of the family.

Shubha Mudgal and her partner in music and life Aneesh Pradhan, are separated in two different cities. They still manage to collaborate from a distance for this event, and bring us songs from ‘Baramasa’ a poetic and musical tradition, fittingly speaking of intense love and longing.

Dr. L Subramaniam, the ‘God of Indian Violin’ is known for his landmark collaborations with classical Indian musicians, jazz musicians, western classical orchestras, Hollywood and Bollywood films. From the stillness of his home, he still travels musical worlds, offering us a glimpse of his astonishing range, with a special appearance by his wife, the celebrated multi-platinum singer Kavita Krishnamurti.

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