In the vibrant world of international music festivals, the presence of classical instruments often blended with modern rhythms creates a unique tapestry of sounds that resonate across cultural divides. Anoushka Shankar, a connoisseur of the sitar and an artist of British-American heritage with deep Indian roots, is pioneering this fusion. She is set to captivate her home audience with a multifaceted performance at the iconic Lollapalooza festival in India, starting January 27.
For over a decade, Anoushka has charmed music lovers with her live performances, learning the art of engaging a crowd with more than just melody. Her lineage—bearing the legacies of the legendary Ravi Shankar—commands a diverse following with varied tastes in music, influencing her approach to each show. “I want people to know this isn’t your typical classical sitar concert. It’s important to make that clear from the start. There isn’t a huge difference in my shows around the world, but in India, the interaction, like requests from the audience, adds a layer of connection that’s truly heart-warming,” Anoushka reveals.
Her appearance at Lollapalooza will offer a “mixture of things,” primarily revolving around her latest creation, ‘Chapter One: Forever For Now.’ However, attendees can expect some unexpected twists. “There will be new arrangements not found on the album and a look back at some of my favorite works. Since there’s much improvisation in my shows, the energy of the audience has a significant role in shaping the performance.”
Like any accomplished artiste, Shankar endeavors to exhibit multiple facets within her concerts while maintaining a well-considered structure. There’s a parallel between designing an album and curating a live show; both aim to take listeners on a journey. “There is an underlying purpose and direction to the musical voyage. Playing darker tones at some point, for instance, sets the stage for a transcendental transition to tranquility,” she explains.
Delving deeper into her craft, Shankar has embarked on the creative process for the third installment of her album series. This endeavor seeks to unravel the potential realms of the sitar’s soundscape further. “My aspiration is to explore new dimensions. This album features combinations like sitar with accordion and glass harmonica, aiming to surprise and please the ear with these choices.” Intensity through simplicity, space through sound—this is the philosophy driving her narrative. Anoushka envisions a sonic experience where listeners are transported into the very room where the music is born, embracing its elemental core with every note played.
Rejecting the contemporary trend of isolated digital production, Shankar finds no joy in crafting music solely on a computer. Instead, she thrives on the dynamism that arises from working alongside like-minded inspirers. “To develop the remaining chapters, it was imperative for me to be in the same space with those who ignite my creativity,” she articulates with conviction.
While preparing for the festival, Anoushka Shankar will undoubtedly stand as a testament to the power of bridging traditional sounds with modern expectations. Her musical presentation at Lollapalooza aims to offer an experience bursting with cultural resonance and contemporary appeal—inviting her audience from around the globe and especially in India, to explore the ever-evolving world of her sitar in a new light, echoing the tones of togetherness, unity, and innovation.
