Invocation of Healing Light Concert - Sumithra, Roshan Bartiya and Shreyas Iyer

Performing sacred Hindu bhajans, classically trained vocalist Sumithra will present an evening of Invocation of Healing Light, Saturday, July 26 at 7-8 pm in the Great Room. In this rare presentation of sacred Hindu music, she will be joined by celebrated sitarist, Roshan Bhartiya, and Shreyas Iyer on tabla. Both instruments are critical to the vibrational healing channeled in the bhajan. Artistic Director Bhuvanesa will explain the purpose of each bhajan before its performance, and after each set of songs to Ram, Krishna, Shiva and the Divine Mother, classical dancer Subha, who has performed in temples in India, will manifest vibrations of the divine. Tickets for the Invocation of Healing Light Concert are $20 and may be purchased at Crystal Magic, The Golden Word and The Worm bookstores. For more information call 505-474-2960.

In a unique and highly spiritual concert of sacred music, Sedona will welcome Sumithra in the Invocation of Healing Light concert July 26. Trained in classical music in her native Russia, Sumithra came to the United States where she dove deeply into the spirituality of Indian music. In this concert she will perform several bhajans, which are ancient Hindu invocations to the Divine. In her new approach to this sacred music, the intent will be to bring the Divine Energy to people in the audience. Healing on all levels will be sought, as well as the removal of any blockages which keep individuals from being open to true healing energy.

Bhajans, Sumithra explains, are gems of mystic India, and at this concert there will be bhajans to Ram, Krishna, Shiva and the Divine Mother. Artistic Director Bhuvanesa will give explanations of each bhajan prior to its performance, citing its importance for healing in modern times.

Accompanying Sumithra will be Shreyas Iyer on tabla, and celebrated sitarist Roshan Bhartiya, who brings generations of sacred sitar music to the performance. In this type of concert, the human voice represents all humans to the Divine through the sounds of the bhajan. The tabla keeps the portal open so people can be open to receive healing, and the sitar represents the response of God back to humans through its vibrational energy. After each set of bhajans, classically trained dancer Subha will perform the vibration of the divine.

It is Hindu belief that Sarasvati gave ragas to humanity to open portals to sacred sound, and the bhajans which will be performed are based on some of those ragas. Bhajans are spiritual songs to open the portal of a particular divine vibration.

"The purpose of this event is to create a blossoming of benefit to each person in the audience," Sumithra says. "I’ve always been more a spiritual seeker than a career seeker, and after the search for how I can manifest my spirituality, I realized through voice and music I have most direct access to the divine. It is important for me to have a heart to heart, soul to soul dialogue with my audience. When I sing I feel the audience with me and I feed on their reaction. I want to give them each their own experience which will produce a banquet of emotions as this healing evening continues. Healing is acknowledging the truth, and this is what I sing to create."

Sumithra (Julia) Tarasova

Sumithra (Julia) Tarasova was born in St. Petersburg, Russia where she received her formal vocal training. After coming to the US, she studied classical Indian music under the guidance of the renowned Roshan Bhartiya. She has been performing both Indian music and Russian/Gypsy romances, and has since recorded two CDs. Her amazing voice has been described as healing, one of a kind, and a spiritual experience.

Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer was born and brought up in Ahmedabad, India and received training not only in the classical form of tabla but also in semi-classical, ghazals, folk and light music. His style compliments the Kathak style of dancing as well as various styles of singing. He have played in various musical programs as well as recordings that include genres like classical music, semi-classical, bhajans, fusion, poetry recitals and folk music.

Roshan Jamal Bhartiya

Roshan Jamal Bhartiya is one of India's premier sitarists. He was raised in a famous musical family, which for a number of generations has produced leading performers of classical Indian music. His Guru and father, Ustad Jamaluddin Bhartiya, began teaching Roshan as a young boy, and as a teenager Roshan began performing in concert settings. Roshan has since toured the globe many times, and for the last 40 years has performed and recorded with many of India's most renowned artists. He is known for his deeply emotional and joyous presence. The blending of playfulness with his powerful knowledge of classical Indian music makes his concerts a memorable experience for educated listeners and newcomers alike.

For further information please contact
Sedona Creative Life Center 928-282-9300