about the sangati center
The Sangati Center is 501(c)(3) nonprofit community center focused on providing an intimate venue for unamplified performances of Indian classical music.Our concerts feature both classical traditions from India, Hindustani and Carnatic, as performed by contemporary musicians, with a special emphasis on creative artists who make these traditions their own by identifying with them strongly while consciously taking them in new directions.
We feature excellent musicians from the vibrant local scene, visiting artists whose names you already know, and up-and-coming artists whose names you don't know but should.
The music at our performances is always unamplified, and our hall in the heart of San Francisco provides a simple and beautiful concert environment for performers and listeners alike. In addition, our space serves as a visual art gallery and as a venue for lessons, workshops, and other events.
press
To read and listen to press coverage of the Sangati Center, click here.artists
For a list of artists who have performed at the Sangati Center, click here.pictures
To view pictures of our space, click here.art installations
To view pictures and a video of a recent art installation at the Sangati Center based on the raga Marwa, click here.faq
Admission fees for all events are accepted at the door only. Sangati Center events are not ticketed and seats are not assigned - the admission fee is a cover charge, and patrons can move about freely in the hall once admitted. Children under twelve are free and always welcome.Nearly all seating is floor seating, on carpets. We provide yoga-style blankets, blocks, and a few cushions to help you be comfortable. You may bring your own setup as well, but please do not bring chairs. We have two wooden benches in the back which are available to early birds, but are also reserved for seniors and the disabled when required.
Please arrive early to ensure admittance, a good spot, and that our events start on time. For concerts where we expect an unusually large turnout, only members will be admitted until 15 minutes before showtime.
Most events are priced on a sliding scale - this means that each attendee is encouraged to pay any admission fee within the range that he or she feels is affordable. Patrons with the means and inclination to provide the higher end of the range are encouraged to support the event to the extent they are able. No one will ever be turned away for lack of funds. The admission fee reflects what we feel our average attendee is obliged to donate to support our programming.
what does sangati mean?
The word sangati in Sanskrit means "coming together". It comes from a combination of "gati", or "movement", and "sam", or "together".Sangati also has some special musical meanings. In South Indian classical music, a sangati is a melodic development or progression, and the related word sangat is used in North Indian classical music for the art of accompaniment.