Mahendra Toke, Ahmedabad

A young artiste with a scholastic background and sound traditional training in Indian classical music, has acquired exceptional proficiency in the art. Under the careful tutelage by his father, Shri D.P.Toke, a close associate of late Ustad Amir Khan Saheb, Mahendra has imbibed the meditative values and exquisite style of the Indore gharana.

This young vocalist gave up a promising career in electronics engineering to devote himself solely to music. His commitment and dedication to the art has already won him critical recognition and popular acclaim and prestigious awards.

Beginning at a young age of 17, Mahendra has performed at numerous competitions, conferences and concerts in India and abroad.

Mahendra has performed at Sur Rang Smruti Samaroh at Bombay in 1983 and 1996, at NCPA, Bombay in 1990-92, Saptak festival, Ahmedabad in 1994-98-2000. Under the auspices of Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Mahendra has toured several European countries in 1989 and 1990.

The honours he has received include the International Youth Year Gold Medal at the Akashvani Music Competition in 1985 ; the Gaan-Heera Award in 1986 ; first prizes at Vile Parle Music circle, Maharishi Gandharva Ved Vidyapith competition. Along with a 3 year scholarship from the Ministry of Human Resources, Government of India, he has in all won at 14 national level competitions.

A deep, resonant, melodious voice, true aesthetic inspiration and insight, and quietly expansive and thoughtful alaaps, are distinguishing features of his renderings.

His dignified bearing as a performer adds to the charm of his music. His slow and systematic rendition brings out all the subtle nuances and builds up the mood proper to that melodic form.

email: mahendra@sudeepaudio.com