Sangeethaamsha invites you to an intimate outdoor morning baithak featuring two extraordinary artists from the Hindustani classical tradition. The celebrated Pt. Sudhir Nayak - an artist who has graced stages alongside the greatest names in Indian music, will accompany Pt. Dhananjay Hegde, a rising voice carrying the legacy of the Kirana-Gwalior blend.

In the baithak tradition, there is no barrier between artist and listener. Sit close, listen deeply, and experience the music as it was meant to be heard; intimate, unhurried, and alive.

Pt. Sudhir Nayak is one of the most sought-after harmonium accompanists in Indian classical music today. A disciple of Pt. Tulsidas Borkar and Pt. Jitendra Abhisheki, he is equally accomplished as a soloist and accompanist, with a deep understanding of Raag Sangeet.

From an early age, Sudhir accompanied legendary artists including Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, Pt. Jasraj, Smt. Gangubai Hangal, Dr. Prabha Atre, Smt. Shobha Gurtu, and M. Balamuralikrishna. He continues to perform regularly with leading contemporary vocalists and instrumentalists across India and the world.

He performed with Pt. Bhimsen Joshi at the Central Hall of the Indian Parliament for the Golden Jubilee of Independence, and with Shubha Mudgal for the 60th anniversary of Parliament. He has served as a visiting lecturer at the University of Pittsburgh and conducted sessions at Stanford, Berkeley, Yale, and other leading universities worldwide.

Passionate about the harmonium's heritage, Sudhir curated an exhibition of antique harmoniums from his personal collection and currently teaches a harmonium course at Mumbai University and as Adjunct Professor at Maya Somaiya School of Music and Performing Arts. He is also a driving force behind Kala Coast, a Global Music and Arts Village in coastal Karnataka.

Pt. Bhimsen Joshi Smriti Puraskar (2022) · Pt. Vasant Nathbua Gurav Puraskaar (2024) · Sanvadini Saadhak Puraskaar (2020) · Pt. Govindrao Tembe Smruti Sangatkaar Puraskar (2013) · Saath Sangat Pravin Award (ITC Sangeet Research Academy, 2006)

 

Born into a musical family, Dhananjay Hegde began learning music at age four from his mother, Smt. Geeta Hegde. His father, Sri G.S. Hegde, is a tabla player and founder of SAPTHAK, an organization promoting Hindustani music in Bangalore and beyond.

After early training under Pt. Venkateshkumar of Dharwad, Dhananjay joined Pt. Vinayak Torvi in 1989 for advanced study in the Gurukul tradition — an intensive 14-year taleem that shaped him into a complete performer. His music carries a distinctive blend of Kirana and Gwalior Gharana traditions inherited from his guru.

An A-graded artist of All India Radio and Doordarshan, Dhananjay has performed at India's most prestigious festivals, including Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav (Pune), Tansen Samaroh (Gwalior), Saptak Festival (Ahmedabad), and many more. He has toured the USA, Australia, Singapore, and Thailand.

Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar (Sangeet Natak Akademi, 2013–14) · Swarasamrat Pt. Basavraj Rajguru Rashtriya Yuva Puraskar (2016) · SaMaPa Yuva Ratan Puraskar · Sanskriti–Madhobi Chatterjee Memorial Fellowship (2024)

 

on Harmonium — Disciple of Shri Sudhir Nayak

Hailing from Koteshwar in coastal Karnataka, Shridhar Bhat grew up immersed in Abhang, Bhajan, and traditional folk forms. Under the guidance of his guru Shri Sudhir Nayak, he has spent over eight years deepening his study of Hindustani Raag Sangeet and its allied forms.

Shridhar is establishing himself as both an accompanist and a solo harmonium performer. A graded artist with All India Radio, he was also selected under the NCPA Mumbai–Citibank scheme and has been actively involved in developing a harmonium curriculum for students in the USA and abroad. He is a key member of the Kala Coast arts movement.

About Sangeethaamsha

Sangeethaamsha is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to promoting South Asian classical music in the San Francisco Bay Area through intimate baithak concerts, workshops, and student scholarships. Every event is a gathering of listeners who share a love for the depth and beauty of Indian classical music.