Winnipeg Today witnessed one of its most captivating Indian classical music evenings — a live Sarangi & Tabla concert presented by Manohar Performing Arts of Winnipeg at the Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain.
Manohar Performing Arts of Winnipeg is a non-profit cultural organisation dedicated to promoting South Asian classical arts — including music, dance, rhythm, heritage and artistic traditions — among Canadian audiences of all backgrounds. Their mission is to build platforms where communities can experience, learn and appreciate the depth, sophistication and beauty of Indian classical performing arts, while nurturing the next generation of artists in Canada.
Featured Artists Pandit Pankaj
Mishra (Sarangi Master)— based in Toronto — is one of the leading Sarangi exponents of his generation. He has performed across India, the United States, Canada, Europe, Kenya and Trinidad — including prestigious stages such as Dover Lane Music Conference, Sangeet Piyasi, Swar Samrat Festival, Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh, Red Rocks and Ali Akbar College. He has collaborated with some of the greatest masters of our time — including Pt. Swapan Chaudhuri, Pt. Kumar Bose, Vidushi Girija Devi, Ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali, and Pt. Birju Maharaj. His artistry spans Hindustani Classical, Ghazal, Kathak, Bollywood and Hollywood music.
Vineet Vyas, a reknowed Tabla player, is a disciple of the legendary Tabla maestro, Pandit Kishan Maharaj of Banaras. He began performing internationally at Expo ’86 and has performed at the Kennedy Center, Metropolitan Museum (NY), Getty Museum (LA), Palace of Fine Arts, SF Jazz and the Chicago World Music Festival. He has accompanied eminent artists such as Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Pandit Rajan–Sajan Mishra, Ustad Shahid Parvez, Dr. L. Subramaniam and Pt. Biru Maharaj.
After welcoming the audience and dignitaries, the Masters of Ceremonies Dr. Shyamala Dakshinamurti and Dr. Shamiya Dakshinamurti invited the two artists on stage — beautifully describing how Indian classical music is not just melody, but a universal language that speaks directly to the soul.
Member of Parliament Ginette Lavack (St. Vital–Saint Boniface) addressed the gathering and shared heartfelt reflections on how culture builds connection and community. She said:
“Today is about more than a concert — it is a gathering… a moment where our traditions, our stories, and our voices intersect and recognize one another.”
She thanked Manohar Performing Arts for their commitment to inclusion, equity and accessibility — and acknowledged the support of the Government of Canada’s Canada Arts Presentation Fund for enabling such programming that brings diverse artistic excellence to Canadians.
Before beginning the first raga, Pandit Mishra offered a brief introduction to the Sarangi itself — its heritage and meaning.
He explained that:
“Sarangi” comes from Sau (100) + Rang (colours) — meaning 100 colours of melody. It is regarded
as the most difficult Indian instrument. • It is considered closest to the human voice.
Capable of vocal ornamentations like meend and gamak.
Revered as the mother of all string instruments.
The very first bow stroke instantly transformed the hall — its sound was delicate, pure, fluid and profoundly emotional.
The evening began with Raag Bhimpalasi — a late-afternoon raga from the Kafi Thaat — perfect for this warm “coffee-time” concert.
With subtle rhythmic support by Vineet Vyas and the lyrical phrasing of Pandit Mishra, the hall entered a meditative stillness — music became atmosphere, not performance.
Later, Pandit Mishra presented Malhar — the legendary raga of rain, believed in folklore to summon monsoon showers.
With playful charm he added:
“If Malhar works in Canada, maybe we will get white rain… with snow!”
The final classical section featured Kajri — expressing the emotional poetry of monsoon — followed by variations of Raag Malhar and concluding with Raag Vairabi (Bhairavi).
The interplay of Sarangi and Tabla here was mesmerizing. For many , this section was beyond
language – just feeling, silence and surrender.
At the audience’s request, Pandit Mishra closed with a beloved composition by Rabindranath Tagore — conveying the message:
Meaning- If nobody walks with you, — walk alone.
He then briefly played “Udd Jaa Kaawan”, which sparked smiles and delight across the hall.
The evening concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Dr. Ganga Dakshinamurti — expressing gratitude to the artists, the audience, volunteers, sponsors and MP Ginette Lavack. She reminded us that evenings like this do not simply entertain — they enrich our cultural horizons and strengthen our sense of shared community.
Without exaggeration — this was one of the finest Sarangi–Tabla evenings Winnipeg has ever experienced.
The hall carried not just music — but memory, poetry, lineage, devotion and cultural pride.
The audience returned home carrying a touch of Indian monsoon magic — in the heart of the Canadian winter.
