Annie Penta

  

   

Annie Penta has studied the music of India for over thirty years. She started studying vocal music, initially with Ali Akbar Khan. Later, moved by a dhrupad recording, she went to India to study with the younger Dagar brothers, Ustad Nasir Zahiruddin and Nasir Faiyazuddin Dagar. Later she continued to learn with Ustad Zia Mohiuddin Dagar. Besides singing, she was also trained in tabla by Mahapurush Misra and Shankar Ghosh.  
 
Since the early 1970’s Annie has been active in the Pacific Northwest as a performer with the Leela Dhrupad Singers, and as a tabla accompanist. As a member of the Kathak dance group “Leela” (founded by Annie, together with Shantha Benegal and the late Prabha Rustagi), she appeared in numerous performances as a drummer and/or vocalist for the group. She has also been active as an educator. She has conducted a number of outreach workshops and residencies in schools and colleges, as well as for community groups. She continues in her role as a teacher. Her work has been recognized and supported by the Arts Commissions of the City of Seattle, King County and The State of Washington.  She has also been accepted as a rostered artist in education program in the state of Alaska. Annie and Shantha also sing together as Leela Dhrupad Sisters.

In Utsav 2007, Annie Penta will be co-presenting the Leela Kathak Workshop and will accompany Urmila Nagar and Group in their performance.

Venue: Ethnic Cultural Theater. Date: Friday October 12. Time: 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM