StaffOn March 26, 2025, the GRAMMY Museum hosted “A New York Evening With Anoushka Shankar” at National Sawdust in Brooklyn. The event featured an intimate conversation between the acclaimed sitar virtuoso and WNYC radio host John Schaefer, delving into the creative process behind her latest album, “Chapter III: We Return To Light.” The evening also included a special live performance by Shankar.
“Chapter III: We Return To Light” marks the culmination of Shankar’s ambitious trilogy of mini-albums. The project began with “Chapter I: Forever, For Now,” produced by Arooj Aftab and featuring Nils Frahm, which evoked the serene beauty of a sunlit garden. The second installment, “Chapter II: How Dark It Is Before Dawn,” produced by Peter Raeburn, explored the introspective depths of darkness and received a GRAMMY nomination for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album. In “Chapter III,” Shankar collaborates with London-based multi-instrumentalist Sarathy Korwar and composer-sarod player Alam Khan, son of the legendary Ali Akbar Khan. This final chapter integrates elements of Goa Trance, reflecting Shankar’s fascination with India’s electronic music scene and her experiences at secret forest raves in Goa during her twenties.
The event attracted a diverse audience, including music enthusiasts and notable figures from the New York arts community. Attendees were treated to Shankar’s masterful sitar performances, which seamlessly blended traditional Indian classical music with contemporary influences. Her innovative use of looping and bending sound techniques added new dimensions to her compositions, pushing the boundaries of the genre.
Anoushka Shankar’s ensemble for the evening featured a talented lineup of musicians who complemented her sitar artistry with a rich tapestry of sounds. The collaboration with Korwar and Khan brought a dynamic fusion of rhythms and melodies, captivating the audience and showcasing the evolving landscape of global music.
The setting of National Sawdust, known for its commitment to fostering innovative and genre-defying performances, provided an intimate and acoustically rich environment that enhanced the audience’s experience. The venue’s modern design and state-of-the-art sound system allowed for an immersive listening experience, highlighting the nuances of Shankar’s intricate compositions.
Audience members expressed profound appreciation for the performance, noting the emotional depth and technical brilliance of Shankar’s music. Many were particularly moved by the seamless integration of traditional Indian sounds with contemporary electronic elements, reflecting Shankar’s ability to honor her heritage while embracing modern musical expressions.
In addition to the musical performance, the conversation with John Schaefer provided valuable insights into Shankar’s creative journey and the thematic underpinnings of her trilogy. She discussed the inspiration drawn from her personal experiences, the influence of her father, Ravi Shankar, and her exploration of new musical territories. This dialogue offered the audience a deeper understanding of the artistic process and the cultural contexts that shape her work.
The event also served as a platform to highlight Shankar’s upcoming projects and tour dates. Following the release of “Chapter III: We Return To Light,” she is scheduled to perform at the Big Ears Festival in Knoxville and embark on a headlining tour with stops in Los Angeles, Houston, Toronto, and additional performances in New York City.
“A New York Evening With Anoushka Shankar” at National Sawdust was a testament to her enduring artistry and her commitment to bridging cultural and musical divides. The event not only celebrated the completion of her trilogy but also reinforced her position as a pioneering force in contemporary music, continually pushing the boundaries of the sitar and its place in the global soundscape.
