Anita has studied tabla with renowned composer and musician Ritesh Das since 1995. She has also participated in numerous workshops lead by the celebrated tabla maestro Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri, as well as accompanying workshops held by the legendary Kathak dancer Pandit Chitresh Das and sarod virtuoso George Ruckert.
Born and raised in the Greater Toronto Area, Anita brings the influences of her Toronto roots into her approach to tabla. Her beginnings with music training started with piano and later on drum kit and percussion within a stage band. She sites her multicultural upbringing as having a large impact in her musical taste which includes Rock, Reggae, Hip Hop and Folk Music.
Anita has performed and toured with the Toronto Tabla Ensemble including a national tour with the Tea Party in 2003 and an international tour with Jeff Martin in 2006. Other collaborations have included: Mélissa Laveaux, Morgan Doctor, ROAM (Lisa Patterson and Alex McMaster), Adrian Raso and Rex Van der Spuy. Anita’s current solo project consists of playing tabla over textured melody and rhythm loops.
Anita has recorded with the Toronto Tabla Ensemble on the following cds: Weaving (2001), Live in Brisbane with Jeff Martin (2005) and Alankar (2008).
Anita is an active member of the Toronto Tabla Ensemble and MDO studio. In addition to volunteering her time for studio events, she accompanies dance classes led by the award-winning Kathak performer Joanna de Souza and teaches tabla. |
