The UC Davis Department of Music Presents Rita Sahai at the Mondavi Center
The UC Davis Department of Music presents acclaimed composer/performer Rita Sahai in a concert of classical and original North Indian vocal music on Saturday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m. in the Studio Theatre of the Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts. Sahai, a 2008–09 artist-in-residence, is joined for this performance by guest tabla and harmonium players.
Tickets are $18 for adults and $9 for students and children. Purchase tickets online at MondaviArts.org, through the Mondavi Center ticket office at 530-754-2787 or 866-754-2787 (toll-free), or at the door. Accommodations for persons with disabilities are available upon request.
Born in Allahabad, India, Rita Sahai was accepted at the age of 9 as a disciple of renowned vocalist Pandit Rama Shankar Mishra, who groomed her in the romantic Benares Gharana style. After coming to the United States, Sahai continued her studies under Ustad Ali Akbar Kahn, training in the Seni Allaudin Gharana style known for its creativity and purity of ragas. Impressed by her talent and passion toward music, Khan Sahib has given Sahai the title “Gayan Alankar” (Jewel of Music).
Sahai tours extensively throughout the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and India. She is also in demand at recording studios at home and abroad, where she lends her voice to many diverse musical projects, including contributing vocal tracks for GRAMMY Award-winning artist Béla Fleck and performing on Alonzo King’s “Sacred Texts,” a CD of international music that won the Isadora Duncan Award for music excellence. Sahai has produced several CDs of her own, including “Rangamalika.” Read more at ritasahai.com.
For complete event information, to receive a Department of Music season brochure, or to join the department mailing list, call 530-752-7896, send e-mail to musicmail@ucdavis.edu or visit music.ucdavis.edu/events.