Tonal Prism
Tonal Prism is a trio spread across three continents, consisting of the Indo-German pianist Jarry Singla, the Indian vocalist Sanjeev Chimmalgi and the Argentinian guitarist Demián Ornstein.
In 2013 Jarry Singla had met Sanjeev Chimmalgi – an outstanding musician rooted in the classical North Indian tradition – during his artist-residency in the Indian megalopolis of Mumbai.
Only half a year after his return from Mumbai, the opportunity opened up for Jarry to live in and travel throughout South America for nearly four years. In Buenos Aires, the stay lead to an inspiring collaboration with the guitarist and composer Demián Ornstein, whose music combines Argentinian folklore with influences from jazz, tango and flamenco in a highly original way.
During the pandemic, when the world suddenly became very small and travelling was hardly possible any more, the Goethe-Institut launched its programme “Virtual Partner Residencies”, which enabled artists to use the opportunities of the internet for (inter-)cultural collaboration. Within the framework of such a virtual partner residency Jarry Singla brought together Sanjeev Chimmalgi and Demián Ornstein and they started to develop music together.
Three artists who understand music as a powerful universal language, as a material that unites people and enables communication. Three composers, united by their boundless openness and their common interest in collaborations. Their compositions draw on the melodic richness of Indian classical music and poetry, on the polyrhythms of Argentinian folklore, on the polyphony of European traditions and the improvisational flexibility of jazz.
Jarry Singla – piano, Indian harmonium, composition, arrangements
Sanjeev Chimmalgi – vocals, composition, arrangements
Demián Ornstein – acoustic guitar, composition, arrangements
