Toronto Tabla Ensemble (TTE) is a unique and multifaceted arts organization dedicated to promoting the North Indian classical art of tabla. The organization is led by founder and artistic director Ritesh Das, who oversees the organization’s artistic vision, educational curriculum, and production activity. TTE is supported by self-generated income from classes, public support through grants, as well as private and corporate funding. The organization’s aim is to share the depth and excitement of Indian classical music, culture, and history and make it accessible to all people.
The Performing Ensemble
Since 1991, Toronto Tabla Ensemble has mesmerized audiences using the rhythms and grooves of North India to collaborate with music and dance from around the world. Known for its modern, high-energy approach, TTE’s repertoire has brought audiences to the edge of their seats by showcasing the complexity of pure traditional tabla augmented by South Indian percussion, Japanese taiko, and kathak dance to create a high energy stage presence.
TTE’s signature has always been collaboration. Their past works have brought tabla together with Flamenco, Jazz, Rock n Roll, Afro-Caribbean drumming, and several other genres. This level of musical exchange has allowed TTE members and audiences to learn about other cultures and brings together broad communities of people. The scope of this exchange is easy to see at TTE concerts and on each of the albums.
The Ensemble has released eight original studio albums and continues to work on releasing more. Their music has been recognized in Canada and abroad. They were nominated for a JUNO Award for their album Firedance and their compositions have been licensed for commercials, films, and as the theme music for CBC Radio’s daily Metro Morning.
As TTE continues on its performance and recording journey it will continue to benefit from government and foundation grants as well as the generosity of private and corporate donors intent on increasing the Ensemble’s footprint of quality artistic creation and cultural exchange.
Toronto Tabla Youth Ensemble
Recently debuted in 2017, Toronto Tabla Youth Ensemble (TTYE) was established with the aim of becoming one of the elite pre-professional training and performance groups for youth percussionists aged 8-16. TTYE uses tabla and percussion instruments from around the world to create an electrifying contemporary listening experience. Apprentices and members are hand selected from the TTE school and attend weekly training and rehearsal sessions led by artistic director Ritesh Das and senior Ensemble members. The trainees have the opportunity to participate in retreats and workshops with musicians and dancers of other genres taking part in a collaborative creation process.
TTYE has gained a following in the community through performances at local festivals, fundraisers, and private events.
In addition to the music technique and theory required to perform, trainees will gain valuable exposure to production and administration. By participating in self-presented concerts, audio recording, and film production, each member will have the opportunity to learn about a skill they are interested in. Some members have already been trained in stage setup, live sound, front of house, and MCing. Thus, the goal of TTYE is to give its members the holistic training required to be a professional musician.
The Tabla School in Toronto and London, Ontario
Toronto Tabla Ensemble would never have been established if it weren’t for artistic director Ritesh Das’ commitment to training tabla students in the city. Das has been teaching students from beginner to professional levels since 1987 and now oversees a fully fledged school that provides students with a multifaceted education. Learners at TTE develop in both the music technique and theory of tabla along with an understanding of the extensive culture and history that underpins it. The Ensemble’s school provides high end training for driven students, who range from all ages and backgrounds including career musicians and working professionals.
The most dedicated youth students are selected to perform in high profile settings with its youth ensembles and can eventually be promoted to its senior ensemble. Students also have the opportunity to learn about arts administration and production thus developing the tools to pursue music professionally if they wish. The tabla school actively forms the basis of the performing ensemble as it is the advanced students who go on to perform in concerts and recordings.
The TTE school depends on the tuition fees it generates to operate and is actively seeking private and corporate partners in the community to allow for continued classroom and facility rental and salary support for more teachers. Further support would also allow teachers to present workshops on Indian music and rhythm geared towards a broader range of musicians and university students. Future workshops will also include other percussive traditions including Japanese Taiko, Western Classical, and African drumming which will allow students to develop a broader musical and cultural understanding.