September 24, 2015

Tonight my host family invited my study abroad peers and a gap year program (Carpe Diem) to enjoy the music of some of India’s finest musicians. As I mentioned in my last post, my host family is renowned all over India for their 150 year heritage of classical Indian music aficionados. My host brother is next in line, as an up and coming sitarist. He’s traveled and performed in France and Germany, and in April will be coming to Seattle to teach and perform!!

Tonight, my host brother and my host father played sitar with a famous tabla player of Jaipur. My host family’s house has a splendid rooftop that overlooks the famous Bihar temple, as well as an ancient fort, set against a backdrop of mountain ridges. The air has finally cooled off, so it was a lovely evening to be outside. The sun was beginning to set casting peachy light across the sky – the moon was smiling boldly across the sky from the setting sun. The flowering Jasmine plant that grows on the rooftop was serenading the wind with lovely fragrance – there have been moments since I have been here when I must check in with myself, and remember that life is just a dream. This was one such moment, the pure magic of existence was palpable, and the music had yet to begin.

I have videos of the musical numbers, which were mind, heart, and soul-blowing. I will share these videos in a separate post soon. It was very special to experience my host brother playing with his father, as they have never played a concert together. Everyone in the audience was enthralled with the pentatonic geometry and impromptu collaboration, as sitar/tabla performances are improvisational. Raw mastery of instruments is a gift to witness, I feel very lucky to be living with the influence of such artists!