Mazda Hall at 7 pm
(Free Admittance)
SAAJ is an instrumental duo created in the early 90’s following many acclaimed performances all over India. The Indian word SAAJ means “musical instrument”. French by nationality, but immersed in Indian culture, SAAJ have been travelling to India every year for over two decades. In SAAJ’s sensitive music, rhythm and beat construction are essential to the development of complex rhythms in keeping with traditional raags (musical pieces). They have mastered their respective instrument through hard work, dedication and training as disciples of renowned Indian maestroes.
Sylvie Hiély, an accomplished sitarist, is one of the main disciples of the great Indian master Ustad Usman Khan who is the heir of a long and rich musical tradition. She has been following his teaching since 1980. She now studies under the great sitar maestro Ustad Bale Khan of Dharwar, who is from the same tradition, the Beenkar lineage.
Laurent Gherzi plays in the “punjab” style, famous for its rhythmic subtlety and rich tones. He has been taught by Nishikant Barodekar, virtuoso heir of a renowned musical family, and a close disciple of Zakir Hussain from the prestigious Alla Rakha School in Mumbai. Each year, Laurent Gherzi returns to Pune to study under Pandit Suresh Samant, who is the heir to several generations of tabla players and an expert in various styles of playing tabla. Laurent Gherzi plays the tabla traditionally, in classical concerts with Duo SAAJ or with other Indian musicians.
