Saturday 2 October, we delved deep into the rich Indian music culture during the second edition of Muses of Mindfulness, held at the Hillegonda church, Rotterdam-Hillegersberg.

Muses of Mindfulness is inspired by ‘Raga Sangeet’. This music tradition is over 2000 years old and highlights the meditative nature of Indian classical music. The original music originates from the Vedic era when mantras and ragas were recited in Hindu temples.

In this 90-minute concert our four Muses of Mindfulness II: Aura, Diepak, Prewien and Tarang created musical moods of devotion, joy and contemplation.

Bansuri flautist Aura Rascón opened up the world of Indian Ragas by presenting Yaman, a beautiful evening Raag of romantic character that welcomed the evening and set the mood for the eternal lovers Radha and Krishna.

The soothing sounds of the ancient flute instrument bansuri made sure that everyone let go of all their worries and allowed us to rediscover ourselves. The divine flute instrument bansuri is associated with Lord Krishna and his Krishna Rasa Lila.

Muses of Mindfulness II was also the debut DesiYUP-concert of vocalist Diepak Ramjiawan, who is a promising young musical talent. With his soulful voice he performed bhajans and kirtans, which brought us in a joyful state of mind.

The concert was concluded by the earthy voice of Prewien Pandohi-Mishre. He is well-known for his efforts to make Indian classical music more accessible to a large audience in the Netherlands. Prewien performed Raag Bageshri, a romantic evening raga, Bhupali, based on the bhakti rasa and Bhimpalasi, based on the shanti rasa, followed by light classical songs.

All three artists were accompanied by our fourth Muse, Tarang Poddar on tabla. Being well versed in both the tabla and the drum-set, Tarang is a versatile percussionist in Indian classical and fusion music. Tarang constantly explores different musical ideas, cultures and traditions which have inspired his own unique style of playing percussion instruments.

Aura Rascón
(bansuri)

Born and raised in Mexico, Aura was trained in western classical music on traverse flute (BA from University of Sofia, Bulgaria) and later specialized on Bansuri and Hindustani Classical Music (BA and MA from CODARTS, University of the Arts, Rotterdam, NL and traditionally from Vrindaban Gurukul, India), under the tutelage of Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, with whom she has toured as a Bansuri accompanist in various occasions. Aura has collaborated with an extended number of renowned artist from different music traditions, performing in mayor music festivals in Europe, the Americas and Asia. She remains active internationally as a soloist but also as a member, initiator and composer of various cross-over music formations.

Diepak Ramjiawan
(vocals & harmonium)

Sarnami-Hindustani vocalist Diepak Ramjiawan was born and raised in Rotterdam. The young singer gave his first concerts in prestigious venues such as the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, De Doelen and the World Forum Theatre. One concert in particular is very dear to him, since he had the honour to perform as a supporting act for Ustad Zakir Hussain. During his act Diepak sang the Shiva Tandav Stotram while he played the tabla.

It’s been a year since he started to produce Spirituals/Devotional Mantra Music in his own unique style. Diepak believes that Music connects us to our inner self. “What this connectivity truly signifies is the listener’s personal experience.”

Prewien Pandohi-Mishre
(vocals & harmonium)

Prewien is a vocalist born in Suriname. Prewien received his musical training in Rotterdam under the tutelage of Shree Koustuv Ray. He specializes in North Indian classical and semi-classical music styles. He is currently an active music teacher and performs in the Netherlands. Perwien is the founder of Rasique Music school and teaches music at SKVR, the biggest institute for performing arts in Rotterdam.

Diepak Ramjiawan will be debuting in his first concert for DesiYUP. In this video he talks about the concert Muses of Mindfulness II and introduces us to the amazing artists he will be sharing the stage with.