Improvisation, whether performed by musicians, dancers, actors or others, pays tribute to history and to cultural literacy. Many newcomers to Canadian shores have been proficient in these arts, filling Canadian venues from concert halls to humbler basement settings with rhythm and song as a means of telling about their history. Canadian holidays and music festivals have offered additional opportunities for music makers and entertainers from all cultures to improvise and highlight their unique talents and artistic achievements. Valuing self-expression as a teaching vehicle has roots in Canada’s various Native cultures, where generations have preserved and promoted history through song and dance.

The Raga Mala Music Society presents performers versed in northern Hindustani and southern Carnatic genres of music, with traditional Indian music and dance as well as Western classical music events scheduled throughout the year in Calgary and elsewhere in Canada.