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Karavika

Karavika(formerly Tiger Lilies) is a New York City based ensemble led by violinist Trina Basu and cellist Amali Premawardhana. As its members hold roots in places as diverse as India, Sri Lanka and North America, Karavika brings a fresh new perspective to the music of its varying cultural backgrounds. Drawing upon influences of nature, beauty, simple folk melodies and complex classical compositions, Karavika's music seeks to blend creative improvisations and arrangements with authentic traditions. They are joined by bassist Perry Wortman and Avi Shah on tabla.

Since its creation, Karavika has been active in the music scene in New York City, and has frequented venues such as Drom world music venue, the lovely and intimate Caffe Vivaldi, Brooklyn’s House of Yes, and the Brooklyn Lyceum. Karavika was recently featured at the first annual Carnatic Music Festival at Cornelia Street Cafe as well as the 2011 NYC Winter Jazz Festival. Karavika has been honored to perform for organizations such as Asha, an education and health care agency that provides support in impoverished communities in India, the Watershed Management Group, which works on improving health and sanitation conditions in India and other underdeveloped parts of Asia, as well as Sneha, a U.S. based South Asian organization that supports and upholds women who have been victims of domestic abuse. Karavika has featured musical guests specializing in Hindustani and Carnatic classical styles as well as in American folk traditions. Recently, Karavika was showcased live on IndiaTalks TV, a cultural Indian television program in New York City, as well as the world-wide social networking event, TEDx Gotham, at which they were broadcast live on the web from the Cooper Union in New York. Members of Karavika also perform regularly in the South Indian percussion ensemble, Akshara which was featured live in the 2010 Learnquest Indian Music Conference in Massachusetts.

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12
Album Review

Karavika: Of Earth And Sky

Read "Of Earth And Sky" reviewed by Dan McClenaghan


Can't find a musical genre that fits the needs of your means of artistic expression? Then create your own. That's what Karavika did, with their gorgeous and provocative debut, Sunrise ( Self Produced, 2012). Call it raga/chamber/folk music if you will, a blend of multiple influences from multiple cultures, with a South Asian foundation in Sri Lanka and India. Violinist Trina Basu and cellist Amali Premawardhana co-lead Karavika, a trio that includes bassist Perry Wortman. With their sophomore ...

162
Album Review

Karavika: Sunrise

Read "Sunrise" reviewed by Dan McClenaghan


What are the career choices for a classically trained musician? It's not sitting in an orchestra for violinist Trina Basu and cellist Amali Premawardhana. Instead, they chose the path of creating their own Indo-Western chamber ensemble, Karavika, to explore the sounds of Indian ragas and film songs, along with their original composition, “Sunrise," that blends two different Carnatic (South Indian) ragas.The co-leaders are joined in their debut CD, Sunrise, by tablaist Advait Shah, who pulls the sound in ...

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“…one of the most exciting Indo-world music ensembles... together they combine their talents to crossover effortlessly from Indian to Western music, creating a new sound that is very accessible and pleasing to the ear." Ishrat Ansari, Owner, Cafe Vivaldi, NYC

“Karavika’s music is a powerfully sincere blend of American and Indian musical influences. They craft beautiful string arrangements that soar above versatile bass playing and virtuosic tabla grooves . Drawing heavily on improvisational styles, every performance I’ve been to is a unique experience.” -Mike Block, cellist, Silk Road Ensemble

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Primary Instrument

Band / ensemble / orchestra

Willing to teach

Advanced only

Credentials/Background

Karavika has presented performance demonstrations and workshops at such venues as the Brooklyn Children's Museum. Members of the ensemble teach private and group classes throughout the NY/NJ tri-state area.

Clinic/Workshop Information

Karavika clinics explore the concept of Indian raga (melodic element) and tala (rhythmic element). Discuss the process of breaking down old classic and folk songs and revamping them in a chamber/jazz setting

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Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Of Earth And Sky

Self Produced
2016

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Of Earth And Sky

Self Produced
2016

buy

Sunrise

Self Produced
2012

buy

Sunrise

Self Produced
2012

buy

Videos

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