Named as " Young Steinway Artist" in Feb 2010 by Steinway & Sons, 17 yrs old, Utsav Lal (www.utsavlal.com) has been credited with giving the world a slice of Indian Ragas on the Piano.Over 100 Piano concerts at worldwide venues & festivals, Utsav has earned the title of “Raga Pianist” for his unique piano playing style and his original expression of Indian Ragas . Utsav Lal's Indian Classical Raga renditions have drawn universal appeal and tremendous appreciation from Western classical, Indian classical, Jazz and World music groups across the world.
Currently based in Dublin, Utsav is one of India's youngest concert pianists. A Jazz & Western Classical Pianist ,Utsav drew his inspiration at an early age from Indian Music, breaking traditional barriers, to be one of the first Indian musicians to draw on the "Power of Indian Classical Ragas on the Piano". Rave reviewed & critically acclaimed by music lovers & media alike, Utsav features in Limca Book of Records ’07 and is the youngest winner of Ireland's multicultural MAMA Awards’08.
Utsav is currently training under leading Dhrupad exponent, Ustad Wasifuddin Dagar. He is also being guided by reputed Indian Classical violinist, Sharat Chandra Srivastava & Irish concert pianist, Padhraic O' Cuinneagain.
In the recent years, Utsav Lal has performed at various venues like The National Concert Hall- Dublin, India Habitat Centre- New Delhi, Bridgewater Hall-Manchester, Queen Elizabeth Hall-London, Konsert Huset-Sweden & at the Festival of World Cultures in Ireland. He has also supported various charities & events with his concerts like National Association for Blind, Spastics Society, Make-A-Wish Foundation , World Mercy Fund, Bridge Foundation Kolkata, Telethon People in Need, Rotary Club at Chennai, World Refugee Day , World Harmony Run-Ireland chapter, Doras Luimni etc. Utsav has been associated with Daniel Pearl Music Foundation and has supported the Daniel Pearl World Music days both in 2008 & 2009 with his performances.
Having opened up for Novara Jazz FEstival on May 27th, 2010 in Italy, Utsav will tour U.K ( Dec 2010), India(Jan 2011) and performs at The Kennedy Center,Washington D.C( Mar 13,2011).
Media Quotes:
….....he breathes life into ebony & ivory, with a melody that leaves the listener mesmerized & transported into a different world....Hindustan Times.
…..Utsav’s music flows spontaneously from within him & when his fingers dance on the piano keys, his music oozes simplicity & sincerity…Economic Times.
..........Lal is a fleet fingered performer whose best moments can be both highly evocative and dazzling.......The Irish Times
……People were blown away by Utsav. Age aside, he is oozing with talent and it’s a joy to behold him caressing a piano like the way he does…..Jackie Leahy, music critic & organiser of One World Music evening.
……Utsav’s stronghold over Indian Raags was evident from his mature performance. The superb finale piece was complete music to the ears...The Asian Age.
..his fingers move across the keyboard as effortlessly as a ballet dancer would traipse across the stage….Mail Today.
…..When Utsav Lal touches the keys of the piano, he not only creates wonderful music, but touches many hearts…..Times of India.
…..The sangat of tabla and piano kept the audiences gripped to their seats and left them screaming for more. During the jugalbandi portions in the concert, the two instruments blended in a true form conceiving musical harmony. There were moments when the audiences stood and applauded amid the rendition of ragas to appreciate the works of the young wizards. When 16 year old Utsav Lal plays the piano, he touches many hearts with his soothing music………..Radio & Music review.
You Tube link for Live at Novara Jazz FEstival 2010:
http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=HsTvX3cPr8M&feature=related
You tube link for Raga Bihag Alaap:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPL3EHNnJIs
You tube link for Media Review of Utsav Lal's India Tour 2009:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=367aYs_cap4
CDBABY
