Vinay Desai
Presented in Partnership with District of Raga
Fresh Interpretations of Traditional Indian Classical Music with Santoor Virtuoso
Arts Barn
Saturday, May 9
8 p.m.
$32/$22 Student (18 and Under)
Acclaimed santoor virtuoso Vinay Desai invites listeners on a deeply immersive musical journey that blends meditative calm with rhythmic intensity. Known for his expressive improvisation and refined sense of rhythm, Vinay opens the evening with a melodic exploration that draws the audience into a space of deep stillness and introspection.
As the mood of the raag is established and the sonic landscape takes shape, Anirudh joins on tabla, adding dynamic rhythmic interplay that seamlessly merges with Vinay’s flowing phrases. Together, they craft an evolving dialogue of melody and rhythm, guiding listeners through a powerful performance that builds in energy and concludes with a fast-paced, exhilarating finale.
The concert closes with a semi-classical devotional piece, offering a graceful and contemplative end to the evening. With a rare ability to embrace, explore, and reinterpret tradition, Vinay and Anirudh bring fresh life to classical forms while remaining rooted in their essence. Vinay Desai, santoor; Anirudh Alva Changkakoti, table
District of Raga
Founded in 2017 by Nistha Raj—named “Best Eye for Great Music” by Washington City Paper—District of Raga has become a leading presenter of South Asian performing arts and culture in the D.C. region. With a history of sold-out performances featuring world-renowned artists such as Ali Sethi and Kaushiki Chakraborty, we present concerts that span classical traditions and contemporary innovation. With the support of our partners, our programs foster cultural exchange, uplift artists, and ensure South Asian performing arts are elevated, accessible, and meaningful to audiences of all backgrounds. For more information, please visit www.districtofraga.com.
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3446268-0
Brochure: https://go.evvnt.com/3446268-2
