‘Continuing Traditions’ is an exciting new musical ensemble formed by the world-renowned musicians Ustad Wajahat Khan of India and Peadar Ó Riada of Ireland. Based in London and Cork respectively, both artists are among the most leading and revered performers and composers of their respective genres of Indian classical music and Irish traditional music, with an established worldwide reputation. They are also sons of legendary fathers (Ustad Imrat Khan and Sean Ó Riada) and continuing a family tradition of musicianship and composition which have greatly influenced the music of the current generation.

The ensemble comprises of six distinguished master musicians playing traditional instruments and percussion from their respective genres – Sarod, Tanpura & Tabla (Indian classical music) and the Concertina/Accordion/Whistle, Harp/flutes, and Uileann Pipes/flutes (Irish traditional music).

The performance includes a section on Raags (melodic framework) and Taals (rhythmic time cycles) of Indian classical music (composed/performed by Wajahat Khan) as well as Slow air, reels, marches and Slides which are indigenous Irish traditional music formats (composed/performed by Peadar Ó Riada). This will be followed by collaboratory compositions consisting of elements from both their musical genres - jointly composed by Wajahat Khan and Peadar Ó Riada.

Thus the maestros explore and bond their cultural heritage of musical traditions that evolved in their respective families for many generations in India and Ireland, by fusing together their musical expertise and spirituality and bringing them into the 21st century, through their unique musical collaboration.

You can catch their live performance on 8th July 2018 at Ionad Culturtha Dochtúir Ó Loingsigh, Baile Mhuirne, Co Cork. Visit www.ionadculturtha.ie