The acclaimed Sierra Madre Playhouse will host a one-night-only concert, When the Violin, on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 7:30 PM, showcasing violin virtuoso Vijay Gupta and renowned Kuchipudi dancer Yamini Kalluri. The program intertwines Western classical music and Indian classical dance through works by Reena Esmail and J.S. Bach, promising a profound artistic experience.
A Cross-Cultural Dialogue Through Music and Movement
Taking center stage is Esmail’s When the Violin, originally composed for choir and obligato violin or cello and later reimagined for solo violin specifically for Gupta during the COVID-19 pandemic. The haunting, introspective piece sets the tone for the evening’s interplay between violin and dance, featuring both Gupta and Kalluri in a deeply expressive collaboration.
Esmail notes, “This piece is about that first moment of trust, of softening… about finding tender, warm, deeply resonant spaces within ourselves.”
Bach Meets Kuchipudi
The program also includes four movements—Adagio, Fuga, Siciliana, and Presto—from J.S. Bach’s Sonata in G minor, BWV 1001, performed by Gupta. These selections range from contemplative to exuberant, culminating in a whirlwind finale. Kalluri’s traditional yet inventive Kuchipudi interpretations infuse the performance with rhythmic dynamism and cultural contrast.
The Artists: Trailblazers in Their Fields
Vijay Gupta, a former member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and founder of Street Symphony, is internationally celebrated for using music as a vehicle for human connection and social change. Gupta has collaborated with luminaries including Yo-Yo Ma, Kronos Quartet, and Pete Seeger.
Yamini Kalluri, based in New York, is known for her devotion to traditional Kuchipudi dance and her innovation in framing the art form for modern audiences. Her expressive movement and commanding stage presence have garnered acclaim worldwide.
Performance Details
What: When the Violin
Artists: Vijay Gupta (violin), Yamini Kalluri (Kuchipudi dance)
When: Saturday, June 21, 2025, 7:30 PM
Where: Sierra Madre Playhouse
87 West Sierra Madre Boulevard, Sierra Madre, CA 91024
Tickets: $12–$35
Box Office: (626) 355-4318
Website: www.sierramadreplayhouse.org
About Sierra Madre Playhouse
A cultural gem in the San Gabriel Valley, Sierra Madre Playhouse offers intimate, thought-provoking performances across genres—from theater to music and dance. Housed in a historic venue dating back to 1910, the Playhouse has earned critical acclaim and multiple awards, including Ovation and NAACP honors. It remains a vital force in the region’s artistic landscape, engaging communities through diverse programming and social impact.
