Presenting a world premier solo concert, Neel will perform his latest experiments in overtone singing and electronic looping along side his sitar and frame drum. From droning, experimental soundscapes to chants, ragas and rhythms, Neel will lead the audience in a unique musical journey that is the culmination of his 20 years of practice as a professional musician.
The concert is part of the MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts program’s twice yearly residency at Fort Worden, Port Townsend and takes place on Tuesday, September 19, 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm in the Chapel. The event is free and open to the public.
Neel Murgai is a multi-instrumental performer, composer and teacher from New York City. A graduate of Goddard College’s MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts program, his life long journey into the depth and beauty of sitar and Indian classical music began with Ravindra Goswami in Banaras, 23 years ago. For the past 16 years Neel has studied with his guru and mentor, Pundit Krishna Bhatt. Neel has studied overtone singing with the Buriyat performance group Uragsha and Harmonic Choir member, Timothy Hill. Western composition, Neel studied with Edgar Grana. While dedicated to Indian classical music, Neel is also interested in creating an original music that is rooted in his many influences and studies. The Neel Murgai Ensemble is a product of many years of thought about the ideal instrumentation to advance his compositions.
In 2013 Neel joined the orchestra of the smash hit musical theater production of the Jungle Book, directed by Mary Zimmerman. Neel has toured around the world with the Bill T. Jones Dance Company, performing and collaborating in their multi-media show, “Blind Date”. Other artists Neel has worked with include Dr. Lonnie Smith, Wyclef Jean, Cyndi Lauper, Samir Chatterjee, Daniel Bernard Romain, Ellen Stewart, Laraaji, Yuerba Buena, Baba Israel, Raz Mesinai, Mission on Mars, Akim Funk Buddha, Loren Conners, Louis Bellogenis and Cosmo Vinyl. He has performed at venues ranging from the Lincoln Center and Kennedy Center to the David Letterman Show to jazz clubs such as the Blue Note and at festivals around the U.S including Art Wallah, Arts Plosure, Masala! Mehndi! Masti! and many others.
www.brooklynragamassive.org
For more information, contact Joyce Gustafson, Operations Director, Goddard College, 360.344.4100
Email: ptoffice@goddard.edu
