Indrajit Roy-Chowdhury & James Musto | Haveli

Sitarist and composer Indrajit (Indro) Roy-Chowdhury has made his mark in the music world as a classical as well as a creative artist. A former lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania, Indro performs globally and is currently associated with prestigious ensembles like the New Jersey Symphony and Duisburg Philharmonic as an arranger and performer. James Musto is a professor of percussion at Kean University and percussionist with the New Jersey Symphony.

Haveli, this year’s musical theme for Kathak Festival is composed by Indro Roy-Chowdhury. Drawing on elements of Rajasthani and Bengali folk music, this piece incorporates traditional folk instruments such as the dorara and daf as well as the Indian Classical ghatam, tabla and sitar alongside Western violin, cello and mandolin.

Pankaj Sihag | Nritta

Nritta is the pure technical aspect of kathak, emphasizing rhythm, musicality, movement, and precision. In this performance, Pankaj Sihag draws on his contemporary dance background and kathak training under Sanjukta Sinha to explore intricate footwork, crisp spins, and complex rhythmic patterns.Their goal is to delve into the ancient origins of this dance form while ensuring it remains pertinent in today’s world. Balancing tradition with modern elements, Pankaj reveals the abstract architecture of kathak, inviting the audience to experience the form’s dynamic energy, subtle variations, and mesmerizing technical mastery. Nritta presents kathak at its most vibrant and expressive.

Susan Mohip Dance Company | Hansadwani Tarana

The Susan Mohip Dance Company, founded and led by acclaimed kathak exponent Susan Mohip, is one of the Caribbean’s premier institutions for Indian classical dance. Susan holds a Master’s degree in kathak from the prestigious Kathak Kendra in New Delhi, where she trained under legendary gurus, Shrimati Vaswati Mishra, Shrimati Durga Arya, and the late Shrimati Reba Vidyarthi. With decades of dedication to preserving and evolving the art of kathak, she has become a cultural icon in Trinidad and Tobago, known for her grace, innovation, and unwavering passion.

In this piece, the company presents a dynamic tarana in Raag Hansadwani—a vibrant, celebratory composition cherished for its brisk tempo and devotional undertones. The music was composed and arranged by Shri Rana Mohip at Kaylani Studios, India, and uniquely features the steelpan, paying homage to Trinidad and Tobago’s rich musical legacy. This fusion of classical Indian melody with the resonant tones of the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago showcases a bold and beautiful dialogue between heritage and home. 

Anjali Nath & Labonee Mohanta | Half

“Half” is a rhythmically brilliant and visually striking kathak production that explores the theme of division—both internal and external. Through rhythmic complexity and sophistication, the choreography reflects tensions within the self and the fractured world around us. Anjali Nath and Labonee Mohanta, senior disciples of Pandit Chitresh Das, carry forward his legacy with bold innovation and urgency.

In this excerpt of “Half,” the two artists embody opposing forces, dancing dissonance through rapid-fire footwork, dynamic spins, and powerful choreography, set to the riveting compositions of their guru. The narrative begins with each force locked in solitary struggle. As awareness of the other grows, so do fear, confusion, and conflict—culminating in a fierce confrontation. Blending classical form with contemporary insight, “Half” offers a compelling reflection on the push and pull of opposing forces within ourselves—and the possibility of deeper self-understanding through that tension.

Alam Khan & Pandit Abhijit Banerjee | Finale

Alam Khan is a versatile musician and composer, blending classical Indian music with contemporary sounds and innovative arrangements. Pt. Abhijit Banerjee is an acclaimed tabla virtuoso, known for his rhythmic precision, dynamic accompaniment, and expressive artistry. Together, they create a live musical dialogue of melody and rhythm, blending tradition with improvisation in a performance that is both dynamic and deeply expressive.

This performance is presented in collaboration with Chaar Prahar Music Festival.

Indrajit Roy-Chowdhury & James Musto | Haveli

Sitarist and composer Indrajit (Indro) Roy-Chowdhury has made his mark in the music world as a classical as well as a creative artist. A former lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania, Indro performs globally and is currently associated with prestigious ensembles like the New Jersey Symphony and Duisburg Philharmonic as an arranger and performer. James Musto is a professor of percussion at Kean University and percussionist with the New Jersey Symphony.

Haveli, this year’s musical theme for Kathak Festival is composed by Indro Roy-Chowdhury. Drawing on elements of Rajasthani and Bengali folk music, this piece incorporates traditional folk instruments such as the dorara and daf as well as the Indian Classical ghatam, tabla and sitar alongside Western violin, cello and mandolin.

Pankaj Sihag | Nritta

Nritta is the pure technical aspect of kathak, emphasizing rhythm, musicality, movement, and precision. In this performance, Pankaj Sihag draws on his contemporary dance background and kathak training under Sanjukta Sinha to explore intricate footwork, crisp spins, and complex rhythmic patterns.Their goal is to delve into the ancient origins of this dance form while ensuring it remains pertinent in today’s world. Balancing tradition with modern elements, Pankaj reveals the abstract architecture of kathak, inviting the audience to experience the form’s dynamic energy, subtle variations, and mesmerizing technical mastery. Nritta presents kathak at its most vibrant and expressive.

Susan Mohip Dance Company | Hansadwani Tarana

The Susan Mohip Dance Company, founded and led by acclaimed kathak exponent Susan Mohip, is one of the Caribbean’s premier institutions for Indian classical dance. Susan holds a Master’s degree in kathak from the prestigious Kathak Kendra in New Delhi, where she trained under legendary gurus, Shrimati Vaswati Mishra, Shrimati Durga Arya, and the late Shrimati Reba Vidyarthi. With decades of dedication to preserving and evolving the art of kathak, she has become a cultural icon in Trinidad and Tobago, known for her grace, innovation, and unwavering passion.

In this piece, the company presents a dynamic tarana in Raag Hansadwani—a vibrant, celebratory composition cherished for its brisk tempo and devotional undertones. The music was composed and arranged by Shri Rana Mohip at Kaylani Studios, India, and uniquely features the steelpan, paying homage to Trinidad and Tobago’s rich musical legacy. This fusion of classical Indian melody with the resonant tones of the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago showcases a bold and beautiful dialogue between heritage and home. 

Anjali Nath & Labonee Mohanta | Half

“Half” is a rhythmically brilliant and visually striking kathak production that explores the theme of division—both internal and external. Through rhythmic complexity and sophistication, the choreography reflects tensions within the self and the fractured world around us. Anjali Nath and Labonee Mohanta, senior disciples of Pandit Chitresh Das, carry forward his legacy with bold innovation and urgency.

In this excerpt of “Half,” the two artists embody opposing forces, dancing dissonance through rapid-fire footwork, dynamic spins, and powerful choreography, set to the riveting compositions of their guru. The narrative begins with each force locked in solitary struggle. As awareness of the other grows, so do fear, confusion, and conflict—culminating in a fierce confrontation. Blending classical form with contemporary insight, “Half” offers a compelling reflection on the push and pull of opposing forces within ourselves—and the possibility of deeper self-understanding through that tension.

Alam Khan & Pandit Abhijit Banerjee | Finale

Alam Khan is a versatile musician and composer, blending classical Indian music with contemporary sounds and innovative arrangements. Pt. Abhijit Banerjee is an acclaimed tabla virtuoso, known for his rhythmic precision, dynamic accompaniment, and expressive artistry. Together, they create a live musical dialogue of melody and rhythm, blending tradition with improvisation in a performance that is both dynamic and deeply expressive.

This performance is presented in collaboration with Chaar Prahar Music Festival.

Indrajit Roy-Chowdhury & James Musto | Haveli

Sitarist and composer Indrajit (Indro) Roy-Chowdhury has made his mark in the music world as a classical as well as a creative artist. A former lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania, Indro performs globally and is currently associated with prestigious ensembles like the New Jersey Symphony and Duisburg Philharmonic as an arranger and performer. James Musto is a professor of percussion at Kean University and percussionist with the New Jersey Symphony.

Haveli, this year’s musical theme for Kathak Festival is composed by Indro Roy-Chowdhury. Drawing on elements of Rajasthani and Bengali folk music, this piece incorporates traditional folk instruments such as the dorara and daf as well as the Indian Classical ghatam, tabla and sitar alongside Western violin, cello and mandolin.

Pankaj Sihag | Nritta

Nritta is the pure technical aspect of kathak, emphasizing rhythm, musicality, movement, and precision. In this performance, Pankaj Sihag draws on his contemporary dance background and kathak training under Sanjukta Sinha to explore intricate footwork, crisp spins, and complex rhythmic patterns.Their goal is to delve into the ancient origins of this dance form while ensuring it remains pertinent in today’s world. Balancing tradition with modern elements, Pankaj reveals the abstract architecture of kathak, inviting the audience to experience the form’s dynamic energy, subtle variations, and mesmerizing technical mastery. Nritta presents kathak at its most vibrant and expressive.

Susan Mohip Dance Company | Hansadwani Tarana

The Susan Mohip Dance Company, founded and led by acclaimed kathak exponent Susan Mohip, is one of the Caribbean’s premier institutions for Indian classical dance. Susan holds a Master’s degree in kathak from the prestigious Kathak Kendra in New Delhi, where she trained under legendary gurus, Shrimati Vaswati Mishra, Shrimati Durga Arya, and the late Shrimati Reba Vidyarthi. With decades of dedication to preserving and evolving the art of kathak, she has become a cultural icon in Trinidad and Tobago, known for her grace, innovation, and unwavering passion.

In this piece, the company presents a dynamic tarana in Raag Hansadwani—a vibrant, celebratory composition cherished for its brisk tempo and devotional undertones. The music was composed and arranged by Shri Rana Mohip at Kaylani Studios, India, and uniquely features the steelpan, paying homage to Trinidad and Tobago’s rich musical legacy. This fusion of classical Indian melody with the resonant tones of the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago showcases a bold and beautiful dialogue between heritage and home. 

Anjali Nath & Labonee Mohanta | Half

“Half” is a rhythmically brilliant and visually striking kathak production that explores the theme of division—both internal and external. Through rhythmic complexity and sophistication, the choreography reflects tensions within the self and the fractured world around us. Anjali Nath and Labonee Mohanta, senior disciples of Pandit Chitresh Das, carry forward his legacy with bold innovation and urgency.

In this excerpt of “Half,” the two artists embody opposing forces, dancing dissonance through rapid-fire footwork, dynamic spins, and powerful choreography, set to the riveting compositions of their guru. The narrative begins with each force locked in solitary struggle. As awareness of the other grows, so do fear, confusion, and conflict—culminating in a fierce confrontation. Blending classical form with contemporary insight, “Half” offers a compelling reflection on the push and pull of opposing forces within ourselves—and the possibility of deeper self-understanding through that tension.

Alam Khan & Pandit Abhijit Banerjee | Finale

Alam Khan is a versatile musician and composer, blending classical Indian music with contemporary sounds and innovative arrangements. Pt. Abhijit Banerjee is an acclaimed tabla virtuoso, known for his rhythmic precision, dynamic accompaniment, and expressive artistry. Together, they create a live musical dialogue of melody and rhythm, blending tradition with improvisation in a performance that is both dynamic and deeply expressive.

This performance is presented in collaboration with Chaar Prahar Music Festival.