GemArts is delighted to welcome back visionary guitarist/composer Simon Thacker’s Svara-Kanti, creating unique "soundworlds" that seamlessly meld culture and tradition with innovation and imagination. This concert also includes special guest Polish cellist Justyna Jablonska.

In 2014 the Simon Thacker's Svara-Kanti made their debut in India at one of south India’s biggest festivals to standing ovations and ecstatic reviews. The group’s latest work, Trikala, a Sanskrit word representing the three states of time: past, present and future, features music composed and arranged by Simon, with stunning raga based instrumentals and concepts from Indian classical music, Punjabi traditions reimagined and the spirit of the subcontinent’s many mystical traditions. Svara-Kanti also features the beautiful voice of Japjit Kaur, violinist and Britten Sinfonia leader Jacqueline Shave, and for one night only emerging tabla master Amritpal Singh Rasiya will stand in for renowned tabla master Sarvar Sabri.  

A new album will be recorded in late 2015, co-commissioned by GemArts and Creative Scotland.

GemArts Riverside Ragas concerts aim to offer audiences something extra, a chance to demystify the genre and introduce South Asian music to those new to its complexities and background. As part of this series we have programmed an accompanying In Conversation between Simon Thacker and local music journalist and promoter Alan Nichol. Immediately before the concert, Simon and Alan invite ticket holders to join them as they discuss Simon’s work and influences, Indian music and intercultural music collaborations in general and anything else that pops up. Free to ticket holders

Buy tickets for two different Riverside Ragas concerts this season and recieve £2 off each ticket. Included, Rajan&Sajan Misra, Ronu Majumdar and Arnab Chakrabarty&Vinayak Chittar .

Presented with Sage Gateshead

Watch Simon Thacker's Svara-Kanti perform beaultiful Indian music on guitar below.

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