Mehfeel: A Series of Intimate Baithak Concerts
Join us at Astralab for an evening of beautiful melodies and captivating performances, presented by the Los Angeles International Music Academy (LAIMA). Immerse yourself in a magical ambiance as talented artists guide you on a unique musical journey.
The evening will begin with a vocal masterclass led by maestros Subhasish Bhawal (vocals) and Madhurjya Barthakur (tabla). Afterward, we'll take a break for refreshments, elixirs, and chai. The space will then transform into an intimate baithak concert, also known as a Mehfeel.
Sahar Farooqui Khundmiri (LAIMA) and Manak Khamvongsa (LAIMA) will facilitate a sitar-integrated soundbath session, setting the tone for the evening. This session will serve as a meditative journey, offering soothing tones and textures to help prepare the body, mind, and spirit for the music that follows.
Our esteemed guest maestros, Subhasish Bhawal and Madhurjya Barthakur, will then lead the baithak concert. Their music will transport you—a passage through sound that awakens, moves, and inspires.
Background:
The word baithak literally translates to a "sit-down gathering". In the context of Indian Classical Music, it refers to an intimate, informal musical performance held in a cozy setting, where musicians and audience are in close proximity, fostering a more personal and immersive experience. With this concept in mind, Astralab & LAIMA bring to you Mehfeel, - a unique series of intimate baithak concerts where you can experience soulful music up close and personal.
About our Guests:
Subhasish Chandra Bhawal, born into a family of Hindustani Classical music stalwarts, is an eminent vocalist with deep roots in multiple gharanas, including Rampur Senia, Agra, Gwalior, Jaipur, and Maihar. He began his musical journey with tabla under his father, Shree Sunil Chandra Bhawal, and later trained in vocal music under legends like Pandit Amaresh Chandra Chawdhury, Pandit Samaresh Chawdhury, Pandit Ramashreya Jha (Ramrang), and Padmashree Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar. Founder of Veneration Institute of Culture, he actively promotes Indian classical music. He has served as a guest faculty at prestigious institutions, including Chaulkhowa Sangeet Mahavidyalaya (India) and Afghanistan National Institute of Music (Portugal). A former student of ITC Sangeet Research Academy, he is also an empanelled artist with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Government of India.
Madhurjya Ranjan Barthakur is a distinguished tabla maestro and academician dedicated to promoting Indian classical music. Born into a rich musical lineage, he trained under his father, Dr. Dilip Ranjan Barthakur, and Ustad Munne Khan of the Farukhabad Gharana. His intricate technique and graceful style echo the legacy of past masters. Madhurjya holds an M.A. in Music from Rabindra Bharati University and has received prestigious honors, including the Tala Mani Award and the National Fellowship in Music from the Government of India. A global ambassador of Indian classical music, he has performed at renowned festivals in the UK, France, Spain, and Uzbekistan. He serves as a guest faculty at Dibrugarh University and Afghanistan National Institute of Music, promoting music education in conflict zones. Through Chaulkhawa Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, he nurtures young talent, ensuring the future of Indian classical music.
Sahar Farooqui Khundmiri is a sound artist and sitarist whose practice bridges Hindustani classical music and vibrational healing to create immersive sound journeys. She weaves together sitar, sound bowls, and chimes to create soundscapes that evoke a safar, or a spiritual journey through sound.
Manak Khamvongsa has been a music educator and performer for over 20 years. Originally from Thailand, he now resides in Santa Clarita where he is the music instructor and band director for Academy of the Canyons. He also conducts monthly soundbaths at the Yoga Yoga Shala in Nehwall, CA. In addition to the sitar, Manak also plays the guitar and japanese shamisen.
