Flushing Town Hall Presents Contemporary Classical Tabla Ensemble Talavya

On Friday, January 25, Flushing Town Hall presents global ambassadors for Indian percussion, the contemporary classical tabla ensemble Talavya. The group seamlessly combines traditional and modern sounds and represents Flushing Town Hall's expansion of its South Asian programs this season.

Created by Indian rhythm maestro Pandit Divyang Vakil, the Indian hand-drum tabla comes to the center stage in the hands of the highly-trained players of Talavya. This high-energy and dynamic percussion ensemble making the centuries-old art form of tabla accessible to all audiences.

Talavya keeps to the spirit of Indian classical art, while expanding its palette and its audience. Each performance moves between rousing peaks and slower, smooth meditative passages that are not usually associated with percussion. It engages the pure sonic energy of Indian traditions, the narrative possibilities of the drum, and the wide-open spaces for improvisation, creativity, and personal expression that Indian arts offer.

Ambassadors for Indian percussion, Talavya has collaborated with artists such as Mickey Hart (of Grateful Dead), Shakura S'Aida, Sidi Toure and Cuban Fire. As educators, the ensemble has led workshops and residencies across the world.
The Talavya show launches a range of global music programs in the Winter-Spring season. In 2019, Flushing Town Hall offers a breadth of outstanding global music, family programs, exhibitions, jazz and workshops. From January through June, Flushing Town Hall will present 72 programs, including 18 world music shows, 10 jazz performances, eight family programs, seven classical music concerts, three exhibitions, and more. The spring season is a continuation of 40th anniversary celebrations of the Flushing Council on Culture and the Arts (FCCA), the steward of Flushing Town Hall.
Tickets are $16/$10 members & students/FREE for teens and can be purchased at www.flushingtownhall.org or by calling (718) 463-7700 x222.
Flushing Town Hall is accessible by car, bus, train and foot - located a short distance from the 7 train - at 137-35 Northern Blvd., in Flushing, Queens. Access for wheelchair users and individuals with limited mobility is available.

Once again, Flushing Town Hall is opening its doors to teenagers - for free. Under the "Teen Access Program," all 13- to 19-year-old teens (whether a member or not) will be welcomed to attend any performance for free. The program is designed to appeal to students and help foster a greater love for arts and culture.