Masterclass x Mehfeel: A Series of Intimate Baithak Concerts

🌙✨ Mehfeel: A Series of Intimate Baithak Concerts

Presented by Astralab x LAIMA (Los Angeles International Music Academy)

Join us for a soul-stirring evening where tradition meets transcendence.

Mehfeel is more than a concert—it's an experience. Rooted in the intimate baithak tradition of Indian classical music, this gathering invites you to slow down, sit close, and immerse yourself in the warmth of melody, rhythm, and community.

🪷 The Evening Unfolds…

We begin with a vocal masterclass led by revered artists Subhasish Bhawal and Madhurjya Barthakur, offering deep insights into the art and essence of Hindustani music.

After a thoughtful break with chai, elixirs, and refreshments, the space transforms into a Mehfeel—a candlelit concert filled with sonic intimacy.

You’ll first be guided into a meditative state through a sitar-integrated soundbath facilitated by Sahar Farooqui Khundmiri and Manak Khamvongsa, setting the tone for deep listening and inner stillness.

Finally, the evening crescendos with a live baithak performance led by our honored maestros—an immersive musical passage designed to awaken, move, and inspire.

🎙️ Meet the Artists

Subhasish Bhawal – Vocal Maestro

A torchbearer of multiple gharanas (Rampur Senia, Agra, Jaipur, Gwalior, Maihar), Subhasish is known for his soulful depth and mastery of raga. A former scholar at ITC Sangeet Research Academy and founder of the Veneration Institute of Culture, he’s performed worldwide and remains devoted to spreading the essence of Indian classical music.

Madhurjya Ranjan Barthakur – Tabla Virtuoso

With roots in the Farukhabad Gharana, Madhurjya brings lyrical rhythm and intricate technique to his tabla. A global performer, academic, and National Fellowship recipient, he is deeply committed to music education and cultural preservation, especially in conflict zones and underserved communities.

Sahar Farooqui Khundmiri – Sitarist & Sound Artist

Blending classical sitar with sound healing, Sahar creates immersive, meditative journeys through tone and texture. Her artistry evokes a “safar”—a spiritual path through sound—offering listeners a space for deep reflection and healing.

Manak Khamvongsa – Multi-Instrumentalist & Educator

A seasoned performer and educator, Manak bridges cultures with instruments like the sitar, guitar, and Japanese shamisen. He conducts regular soundbaths in California and brings a grounded, nurturing energy to every experience he leads.

🌟 Event Details

📍 Location: Astralab

📅 Date & Time: May 4, 2025 , 3 PM to 8 PM

🎟️ Entry: Limited capacity – secure your spot early

🍵 Includes refreshments, elixirs & chai

✨ Come with an open heart, ready to listen, connect, and be moved.

Let the music draw you in. This is Mehfeel—a gathering of sound, spirit, and shared presence.