Ashoka Dhar
2 blog entries
Smt.Ashoka Dhar Nandy dosn’t require much introduction, being the seniormost disciple of the Dhrupad Maestro Late Ustad Nasir Aminuddin Dagar sahib(Senior Dagar Brothers).The first female Dhrupadia from India,a true legend in her own rights.A career spanning more than 40 years of performing across the globe.
Receiver of many accolades & awards globally. In her distinguished career Ashokaji have performed in all major festivals & venues in India & Abroad. Apart from being a very well known performer Ashokaji is a very well respected teacher globally. While teaching students observed that Ashoka ji not only infused the students with great enthusiasm and respect for the ancient art of Dhrupad. She also touched the students hearts with the subtlety’s and intricacies of the pure tones, microtones and “Unstruck Sound”.
Alaap,Dhrupad and Dhamar in the dagarvani style.Dhrupad is the oldest existing form of Indian Classical Music.The origin of this music is linked to the recitation of Samaveda the sacred sanskrit text.The nature of Dhrupad music is spiritual.And this art form has a history of more than one thousand years.Dhrupad has been accepted globally as the most meditative and the purest form of Indian Classical music.
Smt.Ashoka Dhar has performed in many festivals across the world including performances
1.The Prestigeous Shiraj Festival in Iran (organized by Shah the then Ruler of Iran)in 1976
2.Bath International Music Festival , UK
3. Brighton Festival , UK 4. Festival Of India in UK (by the government of India ) in 1982
5.The Festival Of India in UK , France & Italy in 1985
5. World Sacred Music Festival , USA .
6.Dhrupad Festival organized by AMC in UK in 1992.
7.Festival of India in Rome in 1978
8.Adidam World Music Festival in Fiji Islands , Australia , New Zealand & USA from 2006,2007 & 2008
She has also performed in major venues across the continents which include:
1.The Royal Albert Hall, London
2.Koninklijke Schouwburg , Den Haag,
3.Theatre de la Ville, Paris
4. Queen Elizabeth Hall,London
5.Purcell Room, London
6.ICC Berlin , Germany .
7.Theater De La Ville,Paris.
8.Musee Guimet,Paris
The Countries which have hosted Ashokaji's performances are:
Germany,Holland,France,Belgium,Austria,Italy,Switzerland,Spain,Sweden,Denmark,UK,USA,Australia,New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand,Iran, UAE,Jordan & Fiji Islands.
A few of Ashoka ji performance clips:
a) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fN0d1KQskG0
b) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KQw59N4Szs
c) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikqddTM1Xt4
d) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOP4ALACpNQ
e) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsU1mVkBmA4
f) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_08-HQAI9Uw
g) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9FTJZj-dLc
h) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYnWmJCu_l0
i) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_evKoKJWBg
Also follow Vidushi Ashoka Dhar's music on soundcloud :
https://soundcloud.com/ashoka-dhar-nandy