Stree Shakti: Pioneering an All-Female Indian Classical Band
Founded in 1996, my all-female ensemble breaks barriers by blending Hindustani and Carnatic traditions into a high-energy fusion experience.
A poster celebrating over 25 years of Stree Shakti, the world's first all-female Indian Classical band. It has been my privilege to lead this group, empowering women and inspiring them to find their voice through music.
A video from a Stree Shakti concert celebrating the victory of Maa Durga. This performance, dedicated to the divine feminine, symbolizes the essence of Stree Shakti (Woman Power).
An interactive moment with the audience during a Stree Shakti performance. Connecting with the listeners and sharing the energy of our music is one of the most rewarding parts of being on stage.
A newspaper feature titled 'Two hands, nine instruments!'. This article covers a special Stree Shakti concert for Navratri, where I played nine different percussion instruments to showcase the power of Navdurga.
An invitation to a special Navratri concert by my all-female ensemble, Stree Shakti, at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC). The performance was a tribute to the nine manifestations of Devi.
A short video from our rehearsal for the Navratri special concert at NMACC. It captures the collaborative spirit of the Stree Shakti band as we prepare to celebrate woman power on stage.
The audience's reaction is the greatest reward. This video captures the fabulous response and heartfelt appreciation from the audience after a Stree Shakti performance.
About this collection
My Stree Shakti ensemble brings together 6 to 7 virtuoso female musicians, blending Hindustani and Carnatic traditions with global sounds like Jazz and Folk. To ensure the energy and nuances of these complex compositions come through, we require a dedicated 3-hour sound check and a professional PA system at your venue.
When I founded Stree Shakti in 1996, it was to challenge the status quo and create a dedicated space for women in a field where we were often underrepresented. Today, the ensemble is a celebration of North and South Indian classical lineages. We bring together a 6 to 7-piece lineup featuring Sitar, Carnatic Violin, Saxophone or Flute, Keyboard, Ghatam, Kanjira, and myself on the Tabla.
Our performances are not just concerts; they are musical dialogues. Whether we are playing at international festivals like WOMAD in the UK or bringing the spirit of Navratri to the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, the goal remains the same: to create a sound that transcends boundaries.
Practical Details for Organizers
To deliver the performance that you envision, we require specific technical support. A mandatory 3-hour sound check is essential to balance the diverse instruments we use, from the deep resonance of the Tabla to the brightness of the Carnatic violin. Our team handles the percussion setup, and we look for venues equipped with a PA system capable of handling a full live band mix. We also take care of local transport for our heavy instruments.
We can adapt our set to your audience, whether it is a corporate gathering, a festival, or an intimate celebration. I perform and direct the ensemble personally to ensure the technical precision and the spirit of the music are always at their best. If you are looking for a performance that combines tradition with the vibrant energy of modern fusion, I would love to discuss how we can bring Stree Shakti to your stage.
Anuradha Pal
For me, Stree Shakti isn't just a band; it is a movement that I started to give women the stage they deserve. I believe that when female artists come together to create, the energy on stage is about shared history, strength, and the joy of breaking new ground.
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