TRANSCENDENT TALAS

Transcendent Talas feat. Trichy Sankaran is a project that puts the virtuosity of the world-renowned Indian drumming master Trichy Sankaran front and centre. Supported by a team of South Indian and jazz musicians, the ensemble takes the audience on an unforgettable journey through the depths of raga (melody) and tala (rhythm).

Trichy Sankaran is recognized as one of the greatest living players of the mridangam, the main percussion instrument of South Indian music (also known as Carnatic music). Since arriving in Canada in 1971, Sankaran has traversed the globe sharing his music and skills in various genres including gamelan, African, jazz, contemporary classical, improv, and world music contexts.

The 90 minute program features a cross-section of the old and new including South Indian classical pieces from the 18th century and original compositions of Sankaran himself. The highlight of every concert though is the ​tani avartanam (mridangam solo) which allows Sankaran to dazzle audiences with his rhythmic prowess and always ends in a standing ovation.

The ensemble includes a mix of virtuosic Carnatic and jazz musicians, with the line-up being adaptable to different contexts, usually with five artists in the group. Led by Sankaran's long-time student Curtis Andrews (percussion), the group has also featured Raman Kalyan (Carnatic flute), Vidyasagar Vankayala (Carnatic vocal), VVS Murari (violin),  Mysore Srikanth (Carnatic violin), Kaushik Sivaramakrishnan (Carnatic violin), Jared Burrows (electric guitar), Robin Layne (vibraphone) and David Soutar-Spidel (bass).

Acclaim for Transcendent Talas

"Sankaran creates 90 minutes of pure musical magic on stage"

Aadya Arora – Georgia Straight

For more information on Trichy Sankaran, including press and detailed biographical information, videos, photos and more, visit his personal website at: www.trichysankaran.com

​For booking inquiries, contact Curtis Andrews