KHOJ: Discovering the world of Ragas
Kanniks Kannikeswaran | Pratik Srivastava | Tejovrush Joshi
Khoj — the Hindi word for "discovery" — is an interactive concert experience exploring the classical music of North India. Cincinnati-based musician and scholar Dr. Kanniks Kannikeswaran leads the evening alongside Pratik Shrivastava on sarod (a fretless string instrument with a rich, resonant tone) and Tejovrush Joshi on tabla (the paired hand drums at the heart of Indian classical rhythm). The program weaves together live performance, guided listening, and hands-on demonstration — you'll learn what a raga is, how rhythm cycles work, and get a chance to try keeping time yourself. No background in Indian music needed. The format is welcoming and interactive, and kids are encouraged to participate. Come curious.
About the Concert Experience: The Art music tradition of India is based on the uniquely Indian concepts of the Raga and the Tala. ‘Khoj’ is an interactive exploration of Indian Art Music curated by Cincinnati based composer, educator and author Dr Kanniks Kannikeswaran along with virtuoso musicians Pratik Srivastava - an accomplished Sarode player and Tejovrush Joshi - a much sought after tabla player.
There is something for all listeners in this program, whether a connoisseur of Indian music or one with just a general level of interest in Indian music or culture. The evening will serve to demystify and answer questions such as ‘What is a Raga’? ‘What is a tala’? ‘How do I keep time’? ‘How is improvisation carried out in Hindustani music’? ‘What does an in-depth exploration of a raga feel like’?
Hosted in the historic Wyoming Fine Arts Center, this evening will educate as well as entertain.
Tickets are pay-what-you-can, with a suggested donation of $10-35 per attendee.
Accessibility note: The Wyoming Fine Arts Center building is accessible by stairs only. Restrooms are located in the basement and are also accessible by stairs only. If you require additional accommodations, please contact us in advance and we will make every reasonable effort to meet your needs.
Khoj — the Hindi word for "discovery" — is an interactive concert experience exploring the classical music of North India. Cincinnati-based musician and scholar Dr. Kanniks Kannikeswaran leads the evening alongside Pratik Shrivastava on sarod (a fretless string instrument with a rich, resonant tone) and Tejovrush Joshi on tabla (the paired hand drums at the heart of Indian classical rhythm). The program weaves together live performance, guided listening, and hands-on demonstration — you'll learn what a raga is, how rhythm cycles work, and get a chance to try keeping time yourself. No background in Indian music needed. The format is welcoming and interactive, and kids are encouraged to participate. Come curious.
Tickets are pay-what-you-can, with a suggested $10-35 donation per attendee.
About Indian (Hindustani) Music
Hindustani classical music is the ancient, raga-based tradition of North India, defined by its soulful improvisation and the sacred relationship between the guru and the shishya. Rooted in the 2nd century work Natyashastra and later treatises over the past two millennia and enriched by Persian and other influences during during the 2nd millennium CE, it balances structural rigor with deeply emotive melodic exploration. The system is built upon the foundational concepts of Raga (melody) and Tala (rhythm), creating a meditative experience that seeks to align the performer and listener with cosmic harmony. Today, it remains a vibrant global force, captivating audiences in world-renowned concert halls and inspiring diverse genres from jazz to contemporary cinematic scores.
About the Sarod
The Sarod is a prominent fretless string instrument in Hindustani classical music, descended from the ancient Afghan Rabab and refined into its modern form over centuries. Known for its deep, introspective tone and a polished metal fingerboard that facilitates seamless glides (meend), it creates a unique resonance that captures the emotional nuances of a Raga. Today, its popularity has surged globally through the legendary contributions of icons like Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, who transitioned the instrument from royal courts to the world stage. Contemporary artists continue to expand its reach by integrating the Sarod into international jazz, world music, and film scores, ensuring its legacy remains vibrant and innovative.
About the Tabla
The Tabla is the primary percussion instrument of Hindustani music, evolving from the ancient mridangam and pakhawaj into a sophisticated two-drum set defined by its intricate finger techniques. Its history is rooted in the royal courts of North India, where distinct gharanas or schools of playing developed to accompany vocal, instrumental, and dance forms. Today, the Tabla is globally iconic, having transcended classical boundaries through the legendary virtuosity of maestros like Ustad Alla Rakha and Ustad Zakir Hussain. Its unparalleled rhythmic complexity has made it a staple in modern fusion, electronic music, and global cinematic scores, ensuring its status as one of the world's most versatile drums.
About Kanniks Kannikeswaran
Musicologist | Author | Composer
Dr. Kanniks Kannikeswaran is a Cincinnati-based visionary composer, scholar, and "renaissance personality" whose contributions over the past 25 years have enriched the Indian American musical landscape.. As a pioneer of the Indian choral movement, he has built enduring cultural bridges by uniting thousands of performers across the globe—including landmark collaborations with the Cincinnati Pops and the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra.
A leading authority on the Indo-Colonial music of Muthusvami Dikshitar, Kanniks is the creator of the award-winning documentary Colonial Interlude, which premiered at the Cincinnati Art Museum. His scholarly depth is further showcased in his 2025 book, Anubhuti, a profound meditation on Dikshitar’s legacy released for the composer’s 250th birth anniversary.
Beyond his global reach, Kanniks is a cornerstone of the local arts community, having taught at the College Conservatory of Music CCM, and receiving the Ohio Heritage Fellowship for his contributions to the state's cultural fabric. Whether through his groundbreaking Sanskrit oratorios or his work at the Hindu University of America, he continues to explore the "Deep Resonance" between ancient tradition and the modern world.
About Pratik Shrivastava
Pratik Shrivastava is an acclaimed Sarod player of the Maihar Gharana, having been initiated into the art by his grandfather Pandit Rabi Chakraborty and nurtured by Dr. Rajeeb Chakraborty. His career is marked by notable performances at prestigious global venues like the Darbar Festival and collaborations with legendary figures such as A.R. Rahman and Anoushka Shankar. Reflecting a rare versatility, Pratik seamlessly bridges traditional classical music with film scores and international Jazz projects, including a prominent partnership with Indo-German pianist Jarry Singla. A recipient of several honors, including a National Scholarship from the Government of India, he is recognized as a formidable and innovative force in both the contemporary and classical music landscapes.
About Tejovrush Joshi
Tejovrush is an accomplished Tabla artist with over 14 years of training under the late Pt. Bapusaheb Patwardhan of the Farukhabad gharana. A graded artist of All India Radio, he has graced prestigious stages including the Gaansaraswati Mahotsav and the Lakshminarayan Global Music Festival. His career is marked by two successful USA tours in 2018 and 2023, along with global collaborations with maestros like Vidushi Kala Ramnath. Renowned for his versatility, he has earned national accolades through his extensive work across vocal, instrumental, and dance accompaniments.