Aug 06 2025 to Aug 06 2025 7 p.m.

Where

Bangalore International Centre

7 4th Main Rd, Stage 2, Domlur 560071

Event Description

Born in Europe and reshaped in Calcutta, the harmonium arrived in India’s classical music world with baggage: too rigid, too foreign, and too limited. Critics called it unfit for the fluidity of Indian ragas. All India Radio banned it for thirty years. 

And yet, it endured. Its warm, resonant tones have become the soulful undercurrent to melodious ghazals, emotional bhajans, and classical ragas.

This evening, journey through that remarkable evolution with Dr. Ravindra Katoti, one of India’s leading harmonium maestros, in conversation with celebrated vocalist Sri Dhananjay Hegde. With Sri Yogesh Bhat on tabla, they bring alive the stories, struggles, and triumphs of this powerful instrument.

An evening of sound, memory, and musical legacy awaits.

Performers

Ravindra Gururaj Katoti
Hindustani Classical Harmonium
Ravindra Katoti is an acclaimed Hindustani classical harmonium soloist and accompanist, known for his mastery in gayaki ang and nuanced expression through lucid alap, precise layakari, and refined tanakari. A disciple of the legendary Pandit Rambhau Bijapure, Ravindra began his musical journey at the age of eight and has since become one of India’s most respected harmonium players.

He is the first Hindustani harmonium soloist to be awarded an ‘A’ grade by All India Radio and has accompanied legendary vocalists such as Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, Dr. Gangubai Hangal, Pt. Jasraj, and Begum Parveen Sultana. A recipient of several accolades including the Sur Ratna and the Sangeet Alankar, Ravindra is also a dedicated educator, guiding students in India and abroad. His instructional DVD and online mentorship have helped popularize harmonium learning globally. His works like Rashmi, Monsoon Moods, and Journey in Harmony demonstrate his innovative spirit, blending harmonium with diverse instruments in ensemble and thematic presentations.

An M.Com and Ph.D. by qualification, he currently serves as a faculty member at the Government First Grade College, Bengaluru, while actively nurturing the next generation of harmonium artists.

Dhananjay Hegde
Hindustani Classical Vocals
Dhananjay Hegde is a gifted Hindustani classical vocalist, born into a family steeped in music. He began his training at the age of four under his mother, Geeta Hegde, and later honed his skills under Pt. Venkateshkumar and Pt. Vinayak Torvi in the traditional Gurukul style. His music reflects a refined blend of the Kirana and Gwalior gharanas.

A recipient of prestigious awards including the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar (SNA), SaMaPa Yuva Ratan, and the Sanskriti-Madhobi Chatterjee Fellowship, Dhananjay has performed at major festivals like Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav, Tansen Samaroh, and Saptak Festival. He has also toured internationally and is an A-graded artiste of All India Radio and Doordarshan.

Dhananjay continues to pursue his musical journey with depth, sincerity, and a deep commitment to the values of his Guru-shishya parampara.

Yogesh Bhat
Tabla