Ina Filip
Originally from Brazil and now living in Québec, Ina Filip spent several years in India, studying Hindustani Classical singing with the Gundecha Brothers. Gundecha Brothers are among the foremost exponents of Dhrupad, the most ancient and least known branch of classical Indian singing. She lived in the Gundecha’s gurukul in Bhopal, learning in the traditional Indian education system: disciples live with the guru, have daily lessons and devote all of their time to practice. There, she immersed herself in the Dagar Vani style, a ‘subtradition’ of Dhrupad renowned for its rigorous yet holistic approach to vocal technique and micro tuning, as well as an in depth approach to what could be currently called practices of ‘yoga of sound.’ As an advanced disciple of this tradition, Ina Filip’s work both as a performer and as a teacher is imbibed with these attributes.
Prior to her studies in Classical Indian music, Ina Filip also studied Brazilian music (UFSCar, Brazil), Pop vocal (UQAM, in Montreal QC) as well as vocal improvisation techniques with Bobby McFerrin and fellow teachers (Circle Songs) and Rhiannon’s students. As a performer, Ina Filip has naturally gravitated towards vocal improvisation in a wide range of contexts. She started performing in electronic festivals, in collaboration with different DJs and producers, touring extensively in the yoga circuit (yoga festivals, centres and retreats), as well as exploring vocal improv along with circus artists and dance performers. Currently, Ina Filip collaborates with Indian classical musicians as well as contemporary classical composers, developing hybrid Dhrupad works. For more information you can visit www.inafilip.ca.
