The Sitar is a unique instrument that produces a highly distinctive and gentle sound, rich in harmonic overtones. Being the product of a music system with its roots in meditation and the quest for spiritual enlightenment, it does not project the large volume of sound characteristic of most western stringed instruments, such as piano, violin, or guitar.
The Idea behind Intimate Music is to bring the performance to an audience small enough to render unnecessary the use of amplification, such as in a private home. However, it is often prohibitively expensive for most individuals to hire performers for private recitals.
There is a tradition in India, which brings together music enthusiasts in small gatherings to enjoy intimate musical performances. This is accomplished by a host sponsoring the performance, at his/her private home, and each invited guest contributing something to cover the fee of the artist.
Although not as lucrative for the artist as performing to a large audience in a hall, any musician who plays primarily for the love of music, will tell you that performing for a small and enthusistic group can be especially satisfying. A level of intimacy is possible that can only be approximated in the more impersonal setting of a large concert hall.
For these reasons, I have decided to initiate a program offering affordable private performances for those interested. In order to promote this idea, I will work with each interested party, on a case by case basis, to negotiate a suitable arrangement which can make this happen.
Based in Portland, Maine, I perform primarily in New England, though I do travel occasionally and will welcome and consider all inquiries.
For this reason, it must always be amplified by microphones in concert situations. Unfortunately, some of the subtlety and richness of natural detail may be compromised in the transposition to an electronic signal, and subsequent reproduction by a speaker.
