Celebrating the universal language of rhythm

Music with influences from all over the globe flowed on Dec. 7 at an event called Tala Mela: A Celebration of the Universal Language of Rhythm at the Arts + Literature Laboratory in downtown Madison. The event was led by Arun Luthra, a saxophonist, composer and konnakol artist who was the fall 2021 interdisciplinary artist-in-residence at UW–Madison’s Division of the Arts. The event featured performances by Luthra, along with students from the UW–Madison Contemporary Jazz Ensemble and final projects from students in Luthra’s residency class, titled The Universal Language of Rhythm: Explorations Through Konnakol and Black American Music. Audience members were required to wear mask and show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.

Luthra leads the musical performance. Photo by: Bryce Richter

Members of the UW Contemporary Jazz Ensemble join the music. Photo by: Bryce Richter

Visiting artist Rohan Krishnamurthy performs with a mridangam. Photo by: Bryce Richter

During his residency, Luthra taught a class called The Universal Language of Rhythm: Explorations Through Konnakol and Black American Music. Photo by: Bryce Richter