Pranām 2025

Ticketing & Event Policies

• Tickets: Required for entry; pricing varies by seating tier. All sales are final and non-refundable. This is a community-supported event — thank you for your support.

• No Flash Photography and Videography: Flash photography, video, and audio recording are not allowed during the performance.

• Dress Code: While not mandatory, traditional Indian attire is warmly encouraged to honor the cultural spirit of the evening.

• Arrival Time: Doors open at 3:40 PM; performance starts promptly at 4:00 PM. Late entry may be restricted.

About the Artists

Smt. Kala Ramnath

Kala Ramnath is an internationally-acclaimed Hindustani classical violinist. Born into a seventh‑generation musical dynasty, she began training at age two under her grandfather and later studied for 15 years with vocal legend Pandit Jasraj, developing a deeply lyrical, vocal-like style on the violin. She has been featured on Grammy‑nominated Miles from India, contributed to the Grammy-winning album In 27 Pieces, and performed on Hollywood soundtracks like Blood Diamond.

Kala made history as the first Indian violinist featured in The Strad magazine and has been hailed among the world’s top 50 instrumentalists by Songlines. A recipient of India’s prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, she has graced global stages—from Carnegie Hall to the Sydney Opera House—while also collaborating across genres including western classical, jazz, flamenco, and African music.

Beyond performance, Kala leads the Kalashree Foundation, fostering music education and leveraging its healing power for underprivileged and ailing children.

Madhuvanti Bhide

Madhuvanti Bhide is an established Hindustani Classical Vocalist based in the Bay Area. Hailing from the pedagogical lineage of Gaan Saraswati Pandita Dr. Alka Deo Marulkar and Pandit Rajabhau Deo, Madhuvanti's unique repertoire is steeped in the extensive 'Samagra Gayaki'—an aesthetic synthesis of Gwalior, Kirana, and Jaipur Gharanas—developed by her gurus. Apart from Hindustani Classical, Madhuvanti partakes in a melange of South Asian forms, including semi-classical film music, and light forms of Hindi, Marathi, Geet, & Ghazal. Madhuvanti is also proactive in disseminating this unique gayaki to many students in the Bay Area, in her school of music, which she has been running for nearly two decades.

Tanmay Bichu

Tanmay Bichu is a dynamic tabla artist based in the San Francisco Bay Area, known for his versatility as both a soloist and accompanist. Trained under maestros like Pandit Ramdas Palsule, Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri, and Ustad Zakir Hussain, Tanmay blends deep-rooted tradition with a contemporary sensibility. He has performed with leading vocalists, instrumentalists, and dancers across the U.S. and India, including at prestigious events like the Ustad Ali Akbar Khan Tribute concert and the Ashavari Festival. In addition to his musical career, he holds a Master’s in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Tech and works at Apple, exemplifying a rare fusion of art and innovation.

Manoj Tamhankar

Manoj Tamhankar is a respected harmonium accompanist and composer based in the Bay Area. Learning the basics of harmonium under Shri Haribaba Khare in Konkan, Maharashtra, Manoj went on to later train in Mumbai and Pune. Manoj has accompanied renowned artists such as Pandita Veena Sahasrabuddhe and Pandita Arati Ankalikar, and has released two music albums, including one under Times Music India. He also composes original bandishes and actively mentors students alongside his wife, Archana Tamhankar.

SCU Music Recital Hall Parking

The Music Recital Hall is located on the first floor of the Music & Dance Building. Below are recommended parking locations:

• North Parking Garage

  • Address: 1063 Alviso St, Santa Clara, CA 95050. This garage is adjacent to the Music & Dance Building—just a short walk away. Accessible parking spots available here.

• Main Parking Structure

  • Address: 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95050. Also includes accessible parking. From here, walk past Mission Santa Clara to reach the hall. This is a 5 minute walk away from the Music Recital Hall.

• Surface Lot (Drop-Off)

  • For ride-share or drop-offs, use 114 Franklin St, directly in front of the Music & Dance Building.

***Visit https://scupresents.org/directions-parking for additional information.