Presented by Small World Music
In partnership with Raag Mala Toronto and Toronto Indo Jazz Festival

ISHQ Festival calls the audience to join in an intimate discussion with renowned vocalist Pandit Shantanu Bhattacharyya, moderated by musician and educator Andrew Kay. Together, they will explore the deep connections between spirituality and Raag Sangeet, delving into the transformative power of Indian classical music as a meditative and devotional practice. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to engage with one of India’s great musical minds in a thoughtful and inspiring conversation.

About the Artists:
Shantanu Bhattacharyya is a distinguished Hindustani classical vocalist known for his mastery of Khayal and Thumri. A top-grade artist of Prasar Bharati, he trained under legends like Meera Banerjee and Ajoy Chakrabarty. A performer of international acclaim, he has graced major festivals across India and abroad. Shantanu also runs Aalor Pathe Raga Dhwani, a respected music school nurturing students in the guru-shishya tradition.

About the Moderator:
Andrew Kay is an acclaimed musician and composer from Toronto, Canada writing and performing music ranging from Indo-Jazz, World Music and Indian Classical Raga Music to Contemporary Jazz and Improvised Music. He is among one of the first musicians in the world to perform Indian Classical music on the Alto Saxophone after spending more than a decade living and studying in the traditional Guru-Shishya parampara system with his Guru in Kolkata, India. He has also pioneered a unique set of tuned Himalayan Singing Bowls that he performs with, alongside using tuning forks, various woodwinds, and hand percussion.

Doors open at 7:30 PM