Vishal Nagar is a virtuoso of the tabla, a set of tuned drums which are used in India, Pakistan and elsewhere in Asia. Born in a family of musicians, he began to play tabla at a very early age. His initial training was from the late Ustad Latif Ahmed Khan. He received additional training from Ustad Shamim Ahmed Khan and special rhythmic training from his mother, Urmila Nagar
Vishal plays in the style of the Delhi gharana (school) and draws upon the techniques of the various tabla gharanas such as Benares, Ajrara, Farukhabad, Punjab, etc. He has also developed a precise and elegant style of padhant (recitation of tabla patterns) which adds special excitement to his solo performances.
Vishal has been praised in the Indian press for his unique combination of melodic tabla sound with masterful command of rhythm. He is equally acclaimed for his performances as an accompanist of dancers, vocalists and instrumentalists, as well as a soloist. He regularly broadcasts from All India Radio and Doordarshan Television.
In addition to his mastery in classical tabla, he has a vast knowledge of the folk rhythms of India and several folk instruments such as nal, dholak, etc. He also has a great understanding of the many special rhythm patterns of Kathak dance and the pakhawaj drum.
Vishal has performed all over India, in cities including Calcutta, Jalandhar, Bombay, Gwalior, Patna, Mysore, Raipur, Lucknow and New Delhi. Some of the festivals he performed at include Jaipur Sangeet Utsav, Lucknow Mahotsav, Harivallabh Sangeet Sammellan, Mysore Mahotsav, and the famous Sahitya Kala Parishad Yuva Mahotsav. He has given performances around the world in Sweden, Germany, Denmark, and across the United States. He was a featured artist in Seattle's WOMAD festival in 1999.
During previous visits to Seattle, Vishal has taught and formed a talented group of tabla students. He has also worked with master musicians Sayed Balaha, Gabriella Guittara, Eyvind Kang, Steven James, etc. His most recent projects include work with the West African guitarist Koo Nimo and the Awaz ensemble.
At present, Vishal Nagar supervises tabla classes at the Sangeet Ganga Institute of Music and Dance in Delhi, India. Click here to see more photographs of Vishal Nagar. Vishal Slide Show.
Also visit: Prabha Rustagi Memorial Trust and Leela Kathak Dancers.
Where to Contact Vishal
Prabha Rustagi Memorial Trust
E-mail: [email protected]
3056 NE 85th Street
Seattle, WA 98115
(206) 522-4404