10th Annual Ashu Babu Memorial Tabla School Concert

On the day before Guru Purnima ("Guru's full moon"), 8th July 2017 we held our 10th annual tabla school concert at Queensland Multicultural Centre (aka BEMAC). I think we stepped up to another level of maturity in our presentation this year - we had less items overall so it was quite a snappy programme, and each item was well planned and performed. A lot of students who were "intermediate" last year are now becoming "advanced", so the final tabla group performance was bigger than ever with 7 students performing a taal mala. Overall 21 of my students performed along with beautiful guest artists Ananya Murali (vocal) and Anju Ketheeswaran (sitar). We were honoured for our 10th annual concert with the presence of the Honorary Indian Consul Dr Archana Singh, as well as our number one supporter over the years, Mr Umesh Chandra of Brisbane Indian Times.

As always big thanks to our regular sponsors Brisbane Indian Times and our stalwart harmonium accompanist Joseph Nand. Thanks to Jesinthan Ketheeswaran and Shantini Ganesh for managing the whole event, to Vasuki Sivaananthan for coordinating the meals, to Brian Sullivan for the photographs, to all the students and parents for their tireless efforts, and to all the other supporters who came along to listen.

NEW: Please visit our Facebook page for videos of this event, including short sweet highlights video.

Opening bhajan by Ananya Murali, with accompaniment by Jesinthan Ketheeswaran

Beginner students: L to R from back - Keshav, Aarav, Pyara, Rohan, Enan, Ali

"Juniors" group included Guhanesh and Saurabh

Also in juniors group: Aarav and Rishab. Not pictured: Aditya and Ashwin

Varun Lal was my best student back in 2008, when he had a tragic car accident which left him unable to use his left side. He has been learning tabla again for the last few years and is doing great.

Seniors group: Arun, Siva (not pictured), Sivamsan, Ayngaran, Bipro, Ishaaq, Rhea.
They presented a "Taal Mala", with different sub-groups presenting Jhaptaal (10), Rupak (7), Ektaal (12) before all coming together for tukaras and tihais in Teentaal (16).

Hats off to our harmonium accompanist all night, every year: Sri Joseph Nand.

Anjuha Ketheeswaran presented a short sitar recital with accompaniment by her brother, my senior student Jesinthan Ketheeswaran.

VIP guest, Honorary Indian Consul Dr Archana Singh

VIP guest and chief sponsor: Mr Umesh Chandra (Brisbane Indian Times)
Presentation of certificates to all the students.

I presented tabla solo in Jhaptaal (10 matras), for the 10th annual concert. Last year I played Basant Taal (9) and next year I plan to play Char Taal ki Sawari (11).