Yale’s Institute of Sacred Music, in collaboration with the South Asian Studies Council at Yale, presents a free lecture demonstration of North Indian vocal music by Aastha Goswami on Friday, September 28 from 12 to 1 p.m. at Miller Hall at 406 Prospect Street. The lecture is free and open to the Yale community only, and light refreshments will be served.

Aastha Goswami received her music training from the prestigious ITC SangeetResearch Academy in Kolkata where she trained under the tutelage of Pt. Arun Bhaduri and the legendary Padma Vibhushan Smt. Girija Devi Ji. Performing for more than 20 years all over India, with numerous awards and honors to her credit, Aastha is based in Vrindavan, the cultural-spiritual center of Vaishnavism/Krishna worship.

Deeply entrenched in the famous Kirana (Gharana) classical musical tradition of Hindustani music, she has also immersed herself in the stream of Devotional music. Aastha has evolved her unique style of Padavali Gaayan, which imbibes the intricacies of Khayal Gayaki suffused with deep emotions. While her repertoire showcases traditional classical compositions and Thumris, she also enriches her performances with her rare collection of compositions of the Braj region like Krishna-Radha Janamotsava Badhai Gaan, Jhoola, Ashtyaam Raag Seva, and songs about different seasons and festivals like Hori, Basant, and Saavan.

As the renowned classical dancer Padmashri Geeta Chandran says: “Aastha Goswami’s voice is like honey flavored by the rarest saffron of selfless sadhana and when this dedicated riyaaz is perfected at the feet of Radharamanji in Vrindavan, it transcends time and space to pierce infinity! She is on a different internal journey; reaching Ishwara through Swara!”

This event precedes a full concert on Saturday, September 29. See Autumn Moon: The Music of Divine Dance, An Evening of Hindustani Music with Aastha Goswami for more details. Those outside the Yale community that are interested in attending can email ismevents@yale.edu for more information.