New Zealanders can expect a weekend of soulful music next month as two visiting Tabla artistes perform in Auckland along with a number of renowned local instrumentalists and vocalists.
Avirbhav Verma from India and his brother Swarit Verma, a resident of Melbourne in Australia, will perform with the Madhur Brothers (Basant and Deepak) at the Blockhouse Bay Community Hall on July 16.
The concert would be a tribute by Basant and Deepak to the Verma brothers who are the sons of their Guru, the late Pawan Kumar Verma of the Punjab Gharana.
“It has been our long cherished desire to present a concert with Avirbhav and Swarit, two accomplished Tabla artistes, who reflect the mastery of their great father. We are also happy to promote a weekend of local talent,” Basant said.
The evening will also feature a vocal jugalbandi by Roshan Raju and Balmohan Shingade and a Sitar & Mandolin jugalbandi by Lester Silver and Anand Thakore.
Among the highlights of the evening would be the release of the first ever Indian Classical and Folk Music album by Professor Shukdev Madhur and Basant.
Students of the Sargam School of Music, a Mt Roskill based institution run by Basant, will perform the following evening (July 17) at the same venue. Their concert will comprise Tabla Vaadan, Bhajans and vocal recital.
The programme will also feature Ghazals by Nisar Mirza, Roshan Raju, Arvinder, Saras, Azeem, Brenda and Dr Vijay.
Distinguished Family
Born in a family of musicians, Avirbhav grew up in an environment filled with soulful music. His father the Late Pawan Kumar Verma groomed him as a fine Tabla player but following his untimely death 11 years ago, Avirbhav continued his Tabla lessons with his grandfather Pandit Lachman Singh Seen, encouraged by his mother Gandharv Verma, an accomplished vocalist.
Avirbhav has performed with the French group ‘Erik Ruffas,’ and performed in many parts of the world.
He respects his older brother Swarit as a star Tabla Master and a “great source of inspiration and encouragement.”
Tabla and Vocal Music Concerts
Organiser: Sargam School of Music
Venue: Blockhouse Bay Community Hall
524 Blockhouse Bay, Auckland
Dates: Saturday, July 16 at 7 m
Sunday, July 17 at 6 pm
Tickets: $30 (VIP) & $20 (General) for both days
Contacts: Basant Madhur on (09) 6262646 or 021-0357954
Deepak Madhur on 021-02643739
Ravi Nyayapati 021-1950975
