Upcoming events.
Ranjana Ghatak and Iona Lane
Saturday 20 June | 7:00pm
Venue:
The Pumphouse, 44 Park Road, Aldeburgh, Suffolk, IP15 5EU
A spellbinding combination of British folk and Indian classical music from Iona Lane and Ranjana Ghatak, with compelling songwriting from Watkin Sharkey and indie-folk from Milly Anna.
Don’t miss this chance to catch the sublime Iona and Ranjana, whose sold-out end of residency Open Session mesmerised audiences back in December, offering the first glimpse of a powerful cross‑cultural project that is a real privilege to watch.
Drawing on Iona’s deep roots in British folk and Ranjana’s classical and devotional Hindustani training, the pair create music shaped by their connections to landscape and place, from the remote peninsula of Knoydart to the rivers of Bengal and the streets of London. Expect rich harmonies, rhythmic exploration, and a striking blend of voice, harmonium and guitar as two distinct traditions meet in bold, collaborative form.
Norfolk‑born songwriter Watkin Sharkey, after a breakthrough year of touring across the UK and Europe, and with his debut album released this spring, offers honest, compelling songwriting with a voice all his own. The evening opens with Milly Anna, whose delicate indie‑folk songs and warm vocal harmonies offer an intimate and heartfelt beginning.
Ranjana Ghatak - Voice, Harp, Esraj and Tabla
Music Room, Liverpool Phil - Friday 26th June, Liverpool. Tickets: https://www.liverpoolphil.com/whats-on/contemporary-music/swaranjali-songs-of-the-luminous-heart/9884
Featuring voice, esraj, harp and tabla, a luminous meeting of Indian and European classical and folk traditions, Songs of the Luminous Heart brings together four exceptional artists in a richly textured, genre-defying collaboration.
Drawing on the emotive vocal forms of thumri and bhajan, alongside the mystical writings of Mirabai and Hildegard of Bingen, Indian vocalist Ranjana Ghatak explores shared spiritual and musical threads across cultures. She is joined by Céline Saout (harp), Kirpal Singh Panesar (esraj) and Harkiret Singh Bahra (tabla), whose sensitive interplay weaves classical, semi-classical and original compositions with improvisation and intricate rhythm.
Following an acclaimed performance at St George’s Festival of the Voice—described by audiences as “enthralling, stimulating, sublime”—this concert offers a rare and deeply moving musical experience.
Indian Singing Workshop London
St Anne & All Saints Church HallMiles Street, SW8 1RL London
SYRINX choir are hosting 2 workshops to keep the singing going during the long summer break. These sessions are open to anyone, and each session will be with a different guest leader to offer some variety and take our singing in new directions.
Ranjana Ghatak is a singer and composer embedded in the classical and devotional Hindustani vocal tradition. Born and raised in London, Ranjana has collaborated and performed with a host of celebrated artists including Nitin Sawhney & Jason Sing. Ranjana is an experienced teacher and workshop leader and has been sharing her work for the last 18 years and runs workshops across the UK including the Barbican, Southbank Centre and Kings Place.
Wigmore Hall Family Concert: Ragas and Talas
Ranjana will be presenting at Wigmore Hall’s Family Concert on Ragas and Taal - for ages 7-11.
Celtic Connections: Ranjana Ghatak + Iona Lane
Folk singer Iona Lane and Indian classical vocalist and composer Ranjana Ghatak. Having first collaborated at Cove Park during Making Tracks 2022, Iona Lane and Ranjana Ghatak are brought together through their love of singing. Combining music from both of their backgrounds creating a beautiful mix of ethereal goodness with awe and wonder of the natural world.
Tickets: https://www.celticconnections.com/event/1/hannah-rarity-with-iona-lane-ranjana-ghatak/
2-Part North Indian Voice Workshop
Be introduced to the beauty of North Indian Vocal Music through connecting to your voice and gain peace and clarity on key fundamental concepts of this form.
Diwali Concert Blackheath Halls
Join Blackheath Hall for a vibrant celebration of Diwali, the Festival of Lights, filled with dazzling performances, delicious food, and joyful community spirit.
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural traditions of this ancient festival with a night including a short recital classical Indian music by Ranjana Ghatak (voice), Harkiret Singh Bahra (tabla) and Kirpal Singh Panesar (Tar-Shehnai & Dilruba), followed by dancing led by a Bhangra Dance London.
Enjoy a variety of traditional Indian dishes and sweet treats that are a special part of Diwali provided by local restaurant, Babur.
Whether you’re here for the lively music, vibrant dance performances, or delicious food, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Tickets: https://www.blackheathhalls.com/whats-on/diwali-indian-music-dinner-dance-2024/
Timber Festival - Ranjana Ghatak, Kirpal Panesar, Harkiret Bahra
Bringing together Voice, Esraj and Tabla – Ranjana draws upon North Indian Semi-Classical and devotional compositions that remind us of our joy, longing, questioning and connection with love and nature. Performing compositions in Brij Bhasha, Hindi, Bengali and Sanskrit, Ranjana is excited to be creating a shared language and conversation with such a group of dynamic musicians.
Tickets: https://timberfestival.org.uk/2024-programme/ranjana-ghatak/
Vocal Health Workshop with Sim Virdi
A workshop hosted by Ranjana featuring Sim Virdi - join this this online workshop to learn:
-Essential vocal health techniques
-Understand the mechanics of singing
-Explore the differences and similarities in Vocal technique between Indian and Western music.
Ranjana Ghatak at Voices Festival, St George's Bristol
Highly acclaimed Indian composer and singer Ranjana Ghatak brings her brilliant new ensemble of Kirpal Panesar (Esraj), Harkiret Bahra (Tabla), Celine Saout (Harp) to St George’s for the first time.
Ranjana draws upon the North Indian Semi-Classical and devotional tradition to explore themes of love, separation and union. Working with traditional and new compositions, this ensemble works with the roots and beauty of this vocal form. The searing and moving sound of the Esraj work beautifully with the etheric sound of the harp, creating a shared language and conversation between all musicians.
Tickets: https://www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk/whats-on/ranjana-ghatak/
Loa + Ranjana Ghatak
Lima Limo Presents returns with another exciting evening featuring new artist Loa alongside Ranjana Ghatak
Kicking off the proceedings will be Ranjana Ghatak. Ranjana is a long time friend of Lima Limo Records.
Children's Indian Vocal Class
I’m excited to finally be starting a children’s vocal class on Mondays 5-5.45pm ages 6-9. If you have children that will be interested in joining or have friends/family that would be then please get in touch. The classes will be online with one class/month in person.
I’ve been working with young minds and voices for years and it’s such a privilege, joy and honour to share this music with them. Starting 1st week of Feb. 2024
Indian Vocal Immersion - In person/Hybrid
Immersive yourself in group singing both in person or online. This is a rare opportunity to practise, sing and learn together. The 3 days will be split into sessions - take the time for yourself and attend all 3 days or the sessions you choose. An understanding of sargam and paltas and a minimum of 6 months Indian Vocal Study is required for this immersion.
Sign Up Information: https://www.ranjanaghatak.com/indian-vocal-intensive
James Yorkston / Jon Thorne / Ranjana Ghatak
James Yorkston / Jon Thorne / Ranjana Ghatak
Date: Friday 17th November 2023
Venue: Gosforth Civic Theatre
Doors: 7.30pm (Music Starts 8.00pm)
Tickets: £16 Advance + Booking Fee On The Door
Box Office: www.seetickets.com/tour/jazz-north-east
Indian Vocal Workshop - Bristol, Arnolfini Gallery
The Asian Arts Agency in Bristol are putting on a festival the weekend of the 10-11 November and I will be running two free workshops on the 11th. All info below
An 80th Birthday Concert for Bert Jansch
Bert Jansch is widely acknowledged as one of the most influential songwriters and guitarists of all time.
A leading light of the 1960s British folk revival and a founding member of folk jazz supergroup Pentangle, his career spanned five decades, inspiring generations of musicians with his groundbreaking acoustic guitar technique and emotive songs.
A stellar line-up including his friends, fans and collaborators celebrate his extraordinary musical legacy in this concert marking what would have been his 80th birthday.
The artists playing include Bernard Butler and Sam Lee; Brigid Mae Power and Steve Gunn; Pentangle’s Jacqui McShee, Mike Piggott and Kevin Dempsey; James Yorkston and Ranjana Ghatak; Kathryn Williams; Martin Simpson; Robert Plant’s Saving Grace; and Sarathy Korwar.
Presented by Eat Your Own Ears, Earth Records and The Bert Jansch Foundation in association with the Southbank Centre.
Indian Vocal Course - 10 Weeks, Level 2
A live exploration of the North Indian Classical and Semi-Classical tradition through sargam exercises, an introduction to Ragas through phrases and compositions, tabla time cycles and voice culture development. 3 in person classes in London.
2nd week alternate class on Sat 23rd.
2 Years learning min required.
Indian Vocal Course - 10 weeks, Level 1
A live introduction and study of the North Indian Classical tradition through sargam exercises, an introduction to Ragas through phrases and compositions, tabla time cycles and voice culture development. 3 classes offered in person for London based students.
Week of the 2nd Oct, session on Sat 7th instead due to touring.
If completely new to Sargam please take the Intro to Hindustani Vocal workshop before hand and send me a message.
Introduction to Hindustani Vocal Music Workshop
An introduction to the key concepts of North Indian vocal music rooted in the classical tradition. The workshop will go through Sargam and a brief intro to time cycles.
Indian Singing Summer Immersion
Immersive yourself in group singing both in person or online. This is a rare opportunity to practise, sing and learn together. The 4 days will be split into sessions - take the time for yourself and attend all 4 days or the sessions you choose. An understanding of sargam and paltas is required for this immersion.
Yale University Performance
Instrumental Insights | Drawing from Tradition
July 14, 2023 8:00PM
Norfolk Festival Music Shed
Pieces in which composers weave multiple musical cultures together.
BRIGHT SHENG Tibetan Dance
JUHI BANSAL world premiere of the 2023 Musical Bridges commission
FLORENCE PRICE Piano Quintet in a minor
Melvin Chen piano
Ranjana Ghatak voice
and Norfolk Fellows
Tickets: $70 – $35, $10 Young Adults (19-35), Kids Come Free! (under 19)
Programs and artists are subject to change without notice. The Norfolk Chamber Music Festival follows all health and safety protocols required by Yale University.
National Youth Jazz Orchestra - Half Term Workshop
This June, NYJO are running two days of vocal workshops based around jazz improvisation and Indian Vocal technique. Open to any young people aged 12-18 – perfect if you want a break from revision too! We welcome all levels of experience. The workshops will take place at Woolwich Works.
On Thursday 1 June, Scarlet Halton will be leading a workshop on ‘an introduction to improvisation’. Scarlet is a 23 year old vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, composer and arranger from Buckinghamshire. Scarlet has performed as a vocalist and bassist at various jazz clubs across London, including The Vortex, Piano Smithfield, the Jazz Sanctuary, and Ronnie Scott’s. She has led many workshops in improvisation, working with participants of all ages across the UK and the US.
On Friday 2 June, Ranjana Ghatak will be leading an ‘Indian Vocal Workshop – Exercises and techniques to develop flexibility and strength in the voice’. Ranjana Ghatak studied the classical and devotional Hindustani vocal traditions under the guidance of Maestro Pandit Ajoy Chakabarty. She has explored traditional music in addition to juxtaposing the beauty of sacred vocal music with contemporary instrumentation over the last 14 years.
Fees to take part in the two days of vocal workshops are:
Free if you are in receipt of Pupil Premium/Free School Meals/from a low-income family
£20 for Greenwich residents
£35 for all other residents
Booking here
Singing with the Nightingales
This date is sold out. Find upcoming Singing With Nightingales events here.
In spring 2023, join folk singer and author of ‘The Nightingale’ Sam Lee alongside special guest musicians on an unforgettable journey into nature.
Enjoy fireside food, drink, songs and stories followed by an after-dark journey into the woods to meet the nightingale. Once nestled in ear-tinglingly close range to our bird, you will experience a concert like no other as Sam and the musicians join in an improvised duet with their virtuosic night-song.
Indian Singing Course, 8 Weeks - Level 1
A live introduction and study of the North Indian Classical tradition through sargam exercises, an introduction to Ragas through phrases and compositions, tabla time cycles and voice culture development. 2 classes offered in person for London based students. If completely new to Sargam please take the Intro to Hindustani Vocal workshop before hand.
20% discount if you sign up for one 8 week course and additional courses/workshops use code: BSCKZKK at checkout.
Indian Singing Course - 8 Weeks, Level 2
A live exploration of the North Indian Classical and Semi-Classical tradition through sargam exercises, an introduction to Ragas through phrases and compositions, tabla time cycles and voice culture development. 2 Years learning min required.
20% discount if you sign up for one 8 week course and additional courses/workshops use code: BSCKZKK at checkout.
Intro to Hindustani Vocal Workshop
A live online workshop to introduce the key concepts of North Indian vocal music rooted in the classical tradition. The workshop will go through the sargam notes, notation patterns called paltas and a brief insight into the tabla time cycles.
This workshop can be a foundation class before joining Level 1 class starting April 17th.
20% discount if you sign up for one 8 week course and additional courses/workshops use code: BSCKZKK at checkout.