Parāśakti Artist Interviews | Satpreet Singh

Could you introduce yourself and let us know more ​about your role in the performance?

My name is Satpreet Singh. I am in Grade 11 enrolled in French Immersion. I started playing the tabla when I was six, and started the dilruba almost four years ago. I was one of the instrumentalists as part of the performing crew of the production. I provided instrumental accompaniment and an instrumental solo on the dilruba, which is a stringed instrument with a bow.

What do you feel was your mark on the project?

It was a group effort, and with the fellow artists it was a fantastic project. Challenging due to COVID-19, however a great experience. 

How did you balance the Hindustani and Carnatic elements?

I was able to balance the two very different and unique styles of music by listening to as much Carnatic and Hindustani content as I could in order to broaden my understanding and perspective while playing and rehearsing with the rest of the artists.

How did you feel when you were rehearsing and performing at the Chan?

It was a great feeling of accomplishment as I was able to finally hear everything come together in a professional and performance-like setting. I felt very calm as my fellow performers and the staff at the Chan Centre made sure nothing was overwhelming. It was truly an honour to be performing with such great music maestros. So blessed to have been asked to join. 

What was it like creating something during this pandemic?

It was a very interesting experience. Procedures and rehearsals were very different from anything I have done in the past. It was also very relieving as I was finally able to work with other people for the first time in over a year. The protocols were followed, and I felt safe yet free to perform with great maestros.

Watch Satpreet perform in Parāśakti: The Flame Within, streaming on March 19th.