Sankaran will be accompanied by two of his musical collaborators, Mohankumar on the ghatam (clay pot) and Desi Narayanan on the kanjira (frame drum).

Also joining Sankaran on stage will be his daughter, pianist-vocalist (and York U graduate) Suba Sankaran, the director of the Juno-nominated indo-jazz ensemble Autorickshaw, with her band-mate, tabla player Ed Hanley. Frequent Autorickshaw guest performer Dylan Bell backs the ensemble on bass guitar.

The audience will be treated to a musical masala featuring Trichy Sankaran’s original works in solo and ensemble performances.

Sankaran is known internationally for his rhythmic dexterity, tonal nuance and consummate mastery of the mrdangam, the traditional double-headed drum of classical South Indian music. He has appeared at major festivals on four continents and in his 50-plus years of concert experience in Karnatak music, has performed with all the classical music masters in India. In addition to traditional settings, he has played with jazz and electronic ensembles, gamelan and other world music groups from many different cultures, as well as performing regularly with his own group, Trichy's Trio. His recordings include Laya Vinyas (1990), Sunada (1993), Lotus Signatures (1997) and Ivory Ganesh Meets Doctor Drums (1998).

Hailed as “a fabulous musician” by the New York Times, his critical accolades include The Globe and Mail’s comment: “It was Sankaran who took virtuosity to its most vertiginous heights, articulating with indescribable sleight of hand, a wealth of liquid sound at astonishing speeds…”

Sankaran joined York’s Music Department in 1971 as a founding director of the Indian music studies program – one of the first university-based world music performance programs in Canada. Over the years, he has fused eastern and western pedagogical practices and has been a major influence on a generation of students who have themselves become noted performers, composers and educators. His contributions to his field extend beyond the studio and stage, encompassing many scholarly conferences across North America and a textbook on South Indian classical drumming.

Sankaran’s ‘Rhythms of India’ is the second of five performances in the Faculty Concert Series spotlighting faculty artists in the Department of Music at York University. Upcoming concerts will feature jazz bassist Al Henderson (Jan. 13), violinist Jacques Israelievitch (Jan. 27) and pianist Dorothy de Val (Feb. 10).

What:   Trichy Sankaran in Rhythms of India
When:   Tues. October 28 at 7:30pm
Where:  Tribute Communities Recital Hall, Accolade East Building, York University, 4700 Keele St. [Map]
Admission: Single ticket $15, students & seniors $5 |  Series tickets: three-concert package for $30
Box Office: 416.736.5888 | www.yorku.ca/perform/boxoffice

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Media Contact:

Amy Stewart, Communications, Faculty of Fine Arts, York University

416.650.8469 / amy.stewart@yorku.ca