Sangha

Sangha is a Tar, Oud, Tombak and Tabla Quartet from Vancouver B.C. Like its instrumentation suggests Sangha is a combination of a number of improvisational traditions, predominantly Arabic, Persian and Indian. There are Indian classical rhythms mixed with Persian Improvisation in one piece, Arabic melodic modulation set in a Persian mode in another, and an African melody set inside a Westernized improvisational structure in the next. Having such a mix of styles the music could sound chaotic and directionless but due to each traditions emphasis on listening, subtlety and space the music comes off as purposeful and organic. With traditions this varied a mixture of styles is inevitable, so the musicians focus on creating music in the moment. This allows the varied influences to naturally blend together without being forced or diluted. The result is a sound similar to Vancouver, a melting pot of musical traditions forging a new path. Sangha has performed for Caravan World Rhythms, Kelowna’s Summer Arts Festival, the Asian Heritage Month Western Front concert series, a CBC National broadcast, and the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Gardens Enchanted Evenings concert series. They are currently recording their debut CD due out in early 2005.