The Chitresh Das Institute and SFIAF are thrilled to present a rare concert featuring two acclaimed artists: Charlotte Moraga, Kathak artist and disciple of Pandit Chitresh Das and Alam Khan, Sarode artist, Son and disciple of the legendary Sarode Maestro, Ali Akbar Khan. The Chapel’s intimate environment provides an up-close and personal immersive experience into the art of Classical Indian Dance and Music with the respective artists each sharing an afternoon of virtuosic solos in their profound traditions.

The Chitresh Das Institute (CDI) was founded in 2016 after the passing of the great master artist and Kathak guru, Pandit Chitresh Das. CDI is dedicated to training the next generation of performing artists and teachers and presenting unique and exemplary new works by Charlotte Moraga and other Master Classical Indian Dance and Music Artists. Artistic Director, Charlotte Moraga, was a principal dancer for the Chitresh Das Dance Company for 20 years before teaming up with Executive Director, Celine Schein Das and CDI School Director, Preeti Zalavadia to form CDI.

charlotte moraga (artistic director, dancer, choreographer)
Charlotte Moraga is a Kathak dancer and choreographer. She was a Principal dancer in the Chitresh Das Dance Company featured in seminal works: Pancha Jati, Sampurnam, India Jazz Progressions, Sita Haran, and Shiva. In 2018 Charlotte received the “Anugami” for her dedication to her Guru and his legacy. Charlotte has performed throughout India, most recently at the Chowdhury Festival in Kolkata, India, and at the Bali Arts Festival, the American Dance Festival and Berklee College of Music. The S.F. Chronicle wrote of her performance at int’l kathak festival at YBCA: “Thursday night's triumph belonged to Charlotte Moraga…She has technical virtuosity, but more importantly she has intention, and an intelligence that shapes every step.”

Alam Khan (musician, composer)
Alam Khan is the son of the legendary Sarode Maestro Ali Akbar Khan. His artistry is praised in India and internationally. Alam accompanied his father onstage from 1996-2006 and performed at prestigious venues throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe and India. Alam has toured solo since worldwide 1998 to great acclaim. Alam has performed with artists of many genres, such as the grammy winning Tedeschi Trucks Band, Karsh Kale, Beats Antique, Homayoun Sakhi, The San Francisco Symphony, Yair Dalal, Rahim Alhaj, and Bob Weir. He is a founding member of the world music group Grand Tapestry.