Head to Umang today, to meet classical music’s fresh, young future

NCPA festival showcases new talent in music and dance and is a great place to spot rising stars.

To catch India’s budding classical music talent, head to the NCPA’s festival Umang, which showcases emerging names in music and dance. This evening, sitarist Chirag Katti and singer Ragini Deoley perform.

Chirag Katti is said to be one of the most promising sitarists of his generation

The performers are young but more than promising. Katti, 31, regularly tours the US, while Deoley, just 20, has won awards at the National Youth Festival.

Both come from musical families. Katti’s father and teacher is Shashank Katti, a senior sitarist and a composer and plays the sitar in a traditional alap, jod, gat and jhala format. Deoley’s father and teacher is Sudhakar Deloley, well known as a classical vocalist and she has been making news for the khayal, tarana and the semi-classical tappa.

To sample their sound before Umang, just head to the internet. The social-media savvy Deoley has a YouTube channel and posts concert information on Instagram. “Social media is an important medium to reach people,” Katti says. “It’s made it easier for someone to listen to your music.” At the NCPA, it’s an opportunity to hear them live. And leave your ‘Likes’ in person.

Read: Also at the NCPA, a festival of drama

WHAT: Sitar recital by Chirag Katti and vocal by Ragini Deoley

WHERE: Little Theatre, NCPA

WHEN: Saturday November 26, 6.30 pm

Entry: Free