Himanshu Nanda, an accomplished Hindustani Classical Flautist, essays many roles that revolve around his calling in life: Music
Inheriting tradition …
Himanshu is blessed to hail from a family of illustrious artists. His paternal uncle Padmashree Dr. Shrinivas Udgata is a noted poet, writer, painter and novelist and a former president of the ‘Odisha Sahitya Academy’. His maternal uncle Sarat Chandra Rath is a painter and an erstwhile president of ‘Odisha Lalit Kala Academy.’
As a student
Himanshu’s formal musical training in flute began in Orissa under Narendra Panda and Padma Charan Patra. A strange twist of destiny brought him face to face with legendary 4lute maestro Padma Vibhushan Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia. Soon, Himanshu became one of the distinguished resident students handpicked by the maestro to receive training in his Vrindaban Gurukul at Mumbai. Learning with Panditji under the traditional Guru shishya parampara, Himanshu imbibed the unique blowing and tonguing style of his Guru.
As a Performer
Himanshu has successfully blended the Dhrupad style of music through the usage of gamaks and the tongue and finger techniques of traditional instrumental style in his playing. Known for his slow and steady alaaps and jod, he seamlessly weaves complex rhythmic structures into melodic format in the Jhala portions of a performance. He has also accompanied his world renowned guru in various performances sharing the stage with artists like Fazal Quereshi, George brooks, Gwyneth Wentink and Sivamani.
His ability to involve his listeners extensively and to convey the silence in music has made his performances appealing to everyone from a complete beginner to an experienced listener. Himanshu has enthralled audiences in India, Kenya, Indonesia, Singapore and Japan.
As a Collaborator & Composer
Himanshu has composed music and collaborated with various artists both in India and abroad. His musical productions like Chinmaya Vani Vadya Vrinda, Navarasa to Ramarasa, and The Journey have received both critical and popular acclaim.
The sweet tone of his bansuri and firm grasp of ragas and technique has made him a sought after accompanist to Classical dancers as well. He has given melodic support to greats like Pt. Birju Mahraj, Sitara Devi and Darshana Jhaveri.
As a mentor & teacher
Himanshu has a Masters in Music from Bharati Vidyapeeth University, and Sangeet Visharad from Gandharva Maha Vidyalaya. A double degree holder in Science and Education with a Computer Science Diploma he has a strong academic background and is an experienced teacher. He teaches and mentors flautists at both beginner and advanced levels and has students spread all over India and abroad in France, Japan, USA, UK and Kenya.
Presently, he is the Director of Music at ‘Chinmaya Naada Bindu’, a Gurukul for Indian Performing Arts at Kolwan, near Pune, India. He is also a visiting faculty at IIT, Bombay and the founding member of Chinmaya Swaranjali, the music centred offshoot of the global Chinmaya Mission.
With a view to introduce maximum people to the benefits of Indian classical music Himanshu conducts workshops and lecture demonstrations. Of these, his workshop ‘MQ 2 HQ’ ‘Musical Quotient to Happiness Quotient’ has reached out to over 6000 people at universities, schools and corporate houses inside and outside India.
Himanshu, looks forward to carving a distinct niche for himself in the arena of Instrumental Music in India, and sharing his deep regard for the tradition he has inherited, with the world, in the process.