Here is an audio for your listening pleasure…

“The melange of sitar and violin that manifests in Neel Murgai Ensemble’s “Space Twang” represents fusion at its best.” – NPR

What do you think? Is this not yet another neat blending of east and west.

For the full article on NPR and more about Neel Murgai, please click here…

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Yesterday was our Live Sitar and Yoga program – we had a full house (23 participants) – thanks to all who came!

Anthony Malatesta played the sitar beautifully and via those soothing & mystical sounds, we ventured into yoga’s more meditative side. Yes we did a range of physical poses, but more than that we explored sadhana practices like yoga nidra (deep relaxation), svarshastra (science of breath control), pranayama (specific breathing techniques), and more.

Sometimes all were lying down with their pillows and eye pillows gazing within, and other moments striking a pose of challenge. Mostly though it was about the meditative approach.

As a teacher, it was a sweet joy to be part of this collective as everyone delved deep into the introversial flow – i.e. exploring within.

Diane Burr of the Chesapeake Current was also on hand and she plans to do an article in the near future about the program. Please watch for it.

All in all, the program went well and everyone reached a state of peace and realization. All got what they wanted – except for one. A faithful & long-standing member of the Tuesday morning abs class asked if from now on the 20 min abs intensive could incorporate the relaxation elements of the yoga-sitar program – the answer was a firm “no”. We have our standards after all!!

The live sitar and yoga is a special gathering and we certainly hope you will consider coming out for the next one!!

In the above video, the world famous sitar player Ravi Shankar (born 7 April 1920 in Varanasi, India) performs on the Dick Cavett show a few decades ago.

He is accompanied by tabla player Alla Rakha (left). By the way, that is George Harrison of the Beatles sitting on the couch at the beginning of the clip.

On Sunday July 11, we will have our own live sitar & yoga seminar at Galesville Hall. Click here to register.