. . .the controlled virtuosity of Swapan's playing always implied
that if he cared, nothing could stop him. What a display he put
on..! San Francisco Chronicle  Swapan Chaudhuri is an eminent tabla player whose musical accomplishments
have earned him wide renown. In 1981, Ali Akbar Khan invited him
to come to the U.S. from Calcutta and teach at the College. Not
only is he a top level musician and performer , but also an excellent
teacher. His knowledge of the different schools (gharanas) of
tabla playing is extensive. His parents, through their passion
for music, initiated his formal musical training and inspired
him in the field of tabla. From a young age, he came under the
tutelage of Pandit Santosh Krishna Biswas of Calcutta, a premier
exponent of the Lucknow Style of tabla playing. Swapanji holds a Master's degree in Music and has received honors and awards from the Government of India and other institutions. He developed his skill as an accompanist through years of accompanying Ali Akbar Khan. As a soloist and accompanist, he has also travelled throughout the world, accompanying many of the leading musicians of India. At the College, he teaches tabla to students at all levels, and he also composes and directs the College percussion ensembles. Swapanji is associated with various American Universities as a visiting professor. He is also a faculty member at the California Institute of the Arts. |
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Ali Akbar College of Music
215 West End Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901
Tel. (415) 454-6264
©1999 AACM