The workshop will be conducted by pianist Utsav Lal who will explore sounds of Indian ragas on the piano. The creative pianist and composer has been dubbed the ‘Raga Pianist' for his innovative handling of Indian Classical music . The 24-year classical and jazz pianist has successfully taken the pure sounds of Indian ragas on the piano to global venues including Carnegie Hall-New York, The Kennedy Centre-Washington DC, Southbank Centre-London and holds the distinction of being the first musician to introduce the piano at the 137th Harivallabh Sammelan, India’s oldest classical music festival. With five solo music albums and laurels that include recognition as Young Steinway Artist , TiE-Aspire Young Indian Achiever, Yamaha Jazz Scholar UK , & Ireland's MAMA Award for promoting multiculturalism, Lal’s style has been described by Novara Jazz festival Director Corrado Beldi as having “illuminating grace”.

A disciple of Dhrupad legend Ustad.F.W.Dagar, Lal’s music has been acclaimed for its sincerity, simplicity and depth. He has conducted several workshops titled 'Breaking Boundaries' and is well known for his collaborative work with Irish & Scottish musicians,in particular for his 'Ragas to Reels' project with performances in India, Ireland and UK, and also for his extensive project work with Inventor Geoff Smith on the world’s first ever Fluid Piano, on which he recorded a unique album released in July 2016. He received his Bachelor of Music degree from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and his Masters in Performance through the Contemporary Improvisation department at the New England Conservatory.