Mumbai witnessed a night of unparalleled musical brilliance on Friday, 13th February 2026, as the historic Royal Opera House hosted A Classical Confluence of Raga & Rhythm. The concert transformed the venue into an immersive sanctuary of sound, blending classical Indian traditions with global fusion and spontaneous improvisation.
At the heart of the evening was International Music Legend L. Shankar, the renowned vocalist and violin virtuoso celebrated worldwide for his work with Shakti. His soaring melodies were beautifully complemented by tabla maestro Amit Kavthekar, whose nuanced rhythmic mastery provided a compelling counterpoint. Adding an electrifying surprise to the night, India’s legendary percussionist Sivamani joined the stage, elevating the energy and turning the concert into a mesmerising celebration of rhythm.
The performance opened with a meditative raga improvisation in Raga Gowrimanohari, gradually transitioning into a Ragam Tanam Pallavi in Aberi set to a challenging 9½-beat cycle. The trio then moved into timeless Shakti compositions, performing pieces such as Joy and La Danse, before presenting Paper Nut from the ECM album Song for Everyone. Each segment flowed seamlessly, weaving melody, rhythm, and improvisational dialogue into a cohesive musical journey.
Reflecting on the experience, L. Shankar said, “I had a great time performing with my long-time friend and colleague Sivamani, one of India’s greatest drummers, and the brilliant tabla player Amit Kavthekar. There was so much magic in the air, and we took everyone to a whole new place. It was a night to be remembered.”
The concert was presented by Studio K3 US in association with BlueArch Communications LLP. Studio K3 founder Parag Khadye, an IT professional and sound engineer by passion, aims to curate world-class performances for global audiences, guided by his philosophy: “Where decibels sound better.” Archana Khadye, founder of BlueArch BrandCommunication LLP, brought over two decades of experience in corporate, government, and international projects, ensuring the collaboration behind the event was seamless.
Among the distinguished guests was actress Anu Aggarwal, who also runs a prominent NGO, reflecting the event’s broad cultural appeal.
As the final notes resonated and applause echoed through the historic venue, the evening celebrated a rare and sublime confluence of Raga and Rhythm, leaving the audience spellbound. The night reaffirmed Mumbai’s place as a hub for world-class classical and fusion performances.
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