The Chan Centre Welcomes Virtuoso Sitarist Anoushka Shankar

The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at the University of British Columbia (UBC) presents the prodigious sitarist, known for embodying the spirit of innovation and experimentation, Anoushka Shankar on April 8 at 8pm in the Chan Shun Concert Hall. Blazing new branches of the trail set by her late father, Pandit Ravi Shankar, the GRAMMY nominated musician will perform works from her highly anticipated ninth studio album, Landof Gold, dedicated to the plight of refugees around the world.
 
“With her impeccable talent on sitar, and resolve to create meaningful music that connects humanity, Anoushka Shankar exemplifies the globally conscious artist,” says Joyce Hinton, Co-Managing Director of the Chan Centre. “We are thrilled to be among the first venues of Shankar’s tour for Landof Gold. Her new collection of songs explore a gamut of emotions in reaction to the refugee crisis, and poignantly raise further awareness to this critical issue.” 

Shankar’s musical roots were founded in the Indian classical tradition. She was mentored from the age of nine by her father, considered the “godfather of world music”, who is credited with introducing the sitar to a North America audience. Upon reaching her 20’s, the virtuoso had completed three classical recordings, and became the first Indian female and –youngest-ever musician – to be nominated for a GRAMMY Award in the World Music category.

With her desire to bring the sitar to new musical realms, Shankar has collaborated with prestigious artists across many genres, including composer Philip Glass, Anglo-Indian producer Nitin Sawhney, and electronica visionary Karsh Kale. Lately, Shankar also toured with British rock group, Jethro Tull, and recorded with acclaimed musicians Sting and Norah Jones(her half-sister). 

Described by Shankar herself as her “strongest album to date”, Landof Gold features renowned shehnai (indian reed) player Sanjeev Shankar, and inventive percussionist Manu Delago, who along with masterful bassist/pianist Tom Farmer, will accompany the artist at the Chan Centre. The latest edition to Shankar’s Deutsche Grammophon albums, which includes Traveller (2011), Traces of You (2013), and Home (2015), is set for international release on April 1. 

Shankar has been vocal on the issue of refugees, not only in her music, but also through political rallying. More recently she helped coordinate a call-to-action to the UK government for greater refugee support, which was signed by more than 100 leading British cultural figures. As a proponent of One Billion Rising, a campaign to end violence against women, Shankar is also an outspoken advocate for gender equality. The musician’s passion for this issue inspired her to give prominent voice to female artists on Landof Gold. Such voices include the provocative M.I.A., Oscar-winning actor/activist Vanessa Redgrave, and German-Turkish songstress Alev Lenz, who sang the title track. 

Chan Centre Connects Events (chancentre.com/connects)
A series of ancillary events programmed in conjunction with Chan Centre Presents performances, exploring the role of arts and artists in society.

• A Conversation with Anoushka Shankar – Thursday April 7 / 6pm @ Pyatt Hall (843 Seymour St, Vancouver). Anoushka Shankar talks with CBC Radio One’s Sheryl MacKay about her extensive musical career, the legacy of her father Pandit Ravi Shankar, and her passion for issues such as women’s rights and the plight of refugees. This event is open to the public and free of charge.
• Pre-show Talk with Dr. Renisa Mawani – Friday, April 8 / 7:15pm @ Royal Bank Cinema. In March of 1914, hundreds of refugees arrived at Coal Harbour in Burrard Inlet aboard the SS Komagata Maru only to be denied entry into Canada. UBC Associate Professor Dr. Renisa Mawani discusses the impact of this historical event in light of Anoushka Shankar's upcoming album in response to the refugee crisis, Land of Gold.