Listening session to revisit Shivkumar Sharma’s legacy through rare archival recordings | Events Movie News
A special listening session celebrating the life and music of legendary santoor maestro Shivkumar Sharma will be held on June 6, bringing together archival recordings and live commentary from his disciples.The session will feature curated audio and video excerpts recorded between 1971 and 2019, offering audiences a rare glimpse into Sharma’s evolving artistry and his role in shaping the santoor’s place in Indian classical music.
A stringed instrument rooted in the folk traditions of Kashmir, the santoor was elevated to the classical stage through Sharma’s pioneering work. With over ninety strings, the instrument gained a distinctive voice under his guidance and came to be recognised alongside other major instruments in the Hindustani classical tradition.The session will be guided by senior disciple Dilip Kale and instrumentalist Takahiro Arai.Kale, who has performed for over three decades, has appeared at major music festivals in India and abroad, and has frequently collaborated with his guru in concerts and curated presentations on his life and work. His repertoire spans classical and light classical music, alongside contributions to film, television and theatre.
Arai, originally trained as a Western drummer, moved to India in 2007 to study the santoor under Sharma after encountering the instrument in Japan. Over nearly fifteen years, he accompanied the maestro at concerts across India and internationally, becoming one of his closest international disciples.The session is part of an ongoing archival initiative that presents curated listening experiences led by musicians and scholars, drawing from extensive recordings of Indian classical music.
The event is open to audiences aged six and above, with entry on a first-come, first-served basis. The duration is approximately 90 minutes.
