INDIA
1965 PRSSV established
(group photo of the management committee)
Pandit Ram Sahai Sangit Vidyalaya (PRSSV) was founded in 1965 in Benares by Pt. Sharda Sahai and supported by a group of professional and amateur musicians, businessmen, government electives and music lovers who were committed to the vision to enable anyone to learn music & dance irrespective of their background and means.
Music Conferences
(Picture of Ravi Shankar in the green room in Benares-TBF)
PRSSV celebrated Pt. Ravi Shankars return after his first successful tour of the west with streets lined with fragrant Khus Khus and his concert.
Education
The first organisation in Benares to schedule regular classes by top rated professional musicians attended by both local and visiting foreigners.
Examination Centre
A major centre where students could appear for Prayag Sangit Samiti examinations.
UK
1987 PRSSV established in the UK
(Picture of SS with FS)
Pandit Sharda Sahai and Ethnomusicologist Dr. Frances Shepherd while at Dartington college of Arts established PRSSV as a registered charitable trust in the UK in 1987 to continue the values and traditions started in Benares.
Events
(Picture)
PRSSV toured many famous artists from India including Malabika Mitra (Kathak), Gopi Krishna (Kathak), Birju Mishra (Tabla), Mohan Krishna (Kathak), Dinanath Mishra (Tabla), Triloki Nath Mishra (Harmonium & Vocal), Amarnath Mishra (Sitar), Kanhaiya Lal Mishra (Sarangi), Shantaram Kashalkar (Vocal).
Examination Centre
(Picture)
A leading centre for Indian Music and Dance examinations leading to accredited qualifications for over 30 years in the UK.
Education
Sangeet College was established in 1989 to provide students of all ages and levels with opportunities to develop their Indian music and dance performing skills. Our teaching ethos is “learning through doing” and so our students perform regularly.
Heritage
The Heritage wing shines a light on prominent artists that have contributed to the enrichment of artistic life in the UK. It delivers this through touring multimedia exhibitions, physical and digital archives, publications, performances and outreach programmes.
Festivals
(Picture)
Sampoorna Sangeet Mela in 1991 was the first competitive festival in the UK dedicated to classical art forms with a panel of judges who awarded cups, shields and prizes, and the annual event was held in high regard by all the organisations and students that took part.
Tabla Camps
(Picture)
Following the huge success of the Tabla camps held annually in North America for 25 years by Pt. Sharda Sahai, PRSSV has used this model for residencies in the UK since the 1980’s.
Advocacy work
(Picture of Abbey Road)
PRSSV has supported and advocated for the development of Indian performing arts as representatives on various committees including The Music Manifesto initiative which was launched at Abbey Road’s studio one in the presence of Sir George Martin and David Miliband, MP.