MUSIC | Suman Laha, Anand Vemuri, and Jyoti Prakas - Samyōga

Suman Laha, Anand Vemuri, and Jyoti Prakas - Samyōga Samyōga - A Confluence of String, Wind, Rhythm Samyōga - from the Sanskrit samyoga (संयोग), meaning "coming together"—is an afternoon of Hindustani classical music, the living classical tradition of North India. At its heart lies the rāga: a melodic personality; a constellation of notes shaped by characteristic movements, emphasized tones, ornamentation, and melodic grammar, all of which evoke a distinct emotional atmosphere, or rasa. The program traces a journey from solitude to confluence. It begins with two solo explorations. Anand Vemuri presents the bansuri (bamboo flute), while Suman Laha performs on the ancient and revered string instrument known as veena. Each artist illuminates a rāga through the unique voice of the instrument, one carried on breath and the other ringing through strings. Though their instruments arise from different musical traditions, both share a deep commitment to the contemplative spirit and expressive subtlety of Hindustani music. In the final set, these two melodic voices converge in jugalbandi, the celebrated duet tradition in which musicians engage in spontaneous musical dialogue, echoing, answering, challenging, and inspiring one another in real time. Throughout, Jyoti Prakas on tabla provides the rhythmic framework through the intricate cycles of tāla, completing the confluence of string, wind, and rhythm. *Appearing through an Agreement between this theatre, Sierra Madre Playhouse, and Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. Members enjoy unlimited access all year — for as little as ≈$25/person per month.