AN INTERNATIONAL vocalist is set to appear in Dorset.

Singer Ranjana Ghatak has worked nationally and internationally as both an artist and composer, and this autumn she heads to Dorset with her band for two special concerts with Artsreach, the counties touring arts charity.

She will perform in Buckland Newton on Saturday, November 17 and Portesham on Sunday, November 18.

Born and raised in London, Ranjana was introduced to North Indian Singing whilst growing up in a musical household. As a teenager she pursued her passion for singing after hearing her favourite vocalist, Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty, performing in London. Since then, Ranjana has visited and trained in Shrutinandan, Chakrabarty’s singing school in Kolkata, since 2001.

Commissioned by the Commonwealth Games to write a piece for the Big Big Sing Project in Glasgow 2014, Ranjana also recorded on Gareth Malone’s 2016 Christmas album alongside the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. In April 2018 Ranjana performed at Buckingham Palace alongside 5 singers, each representing the regions of the Commonwealth, to 52 Heads of Government, HRH The Queen and the Royal Family.

Singing in Sanskrit, Bengali, Hindi and English, Ranjana takes inspiration from Indian Classical music, mystic poetry and her own writing, performing new material written by herself and songs composed to mystic poets such as Kabir and Meera Bai. Touring with Artsreach following the release of her debut album, Ranjana shares the stage with Mercury nominated bass player Liran Donin and highly sought after guitarist Jack Ross, both of whom have played alongside Namvula Rennie on previous Artsreach tours. This trio have spent the last two years exploring and performing in several venues including Kew Gardens, Saffron Walden, Bath International Festival, Barbican foyer and Wigmore Hall. Audiences can expect an evening of outstanding musicianship.

See Ranjana performing live in Buckland Newton (01300 345455) on Saturday, November 17 and Portesham (01305 871035) on Sunday, November 18. Both performances are at 7.30pm. Ranjana will also lead an Indian Singing workshop ahead of the concert in Buckland Newton from 4.30pm-6pm. No previous singing experience is necessary, but places are limited and so booking is advised. Further information and tickets are available online at artsreach.co.uk