Venkat Raman with Ravi Nyayapati
Auckland, January 10, 2025
Zakir Hussain, the man and the Tabla Master, will be remembered at a special meeting in Auckland on Sunday, January 12, 2025.
Sargam School of Music and Sounds of Music Charitable Trust are organising the event at Blockhouse Bay Community Hall at 524 Blockhouse Bay Road.
The meeting will begin at 6 pm and include speeches and performances by various Tabla, Sitar, Vocal and Kathak artists.
Basant Madhur, Principal of Sargam School of Music and Trustee of Sounds of Music Charitable Trust said that the programme on Sunday will pay tribute to the great Tabla artist.
“Speakers will highlight their experiences with the late Zakir Hussain and cite anecdotal references. We hope to show videos and clippings of Zakir performing music other than the Tabla. We hope that it will be a fitting tribute to the master,” he said.
About Zakir Hussain
A legendary Tabla artist, Zakir Hussain passed away in San Fransisco on December 15, 2024, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy in the world of music.
As well as a composer and percussionist, he was widely regarded as one of the greatest Tabla virtuosos of all time. Born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, India, he was the son of the renowned Tabla maestro Alla Rakha. His career spanned over six decades, during which he brought Indian classical music to a global audience and collaborated with numerous international artists. He was a child prodigy, performing in concerts by the age of seven and touring internationally when he was 12 years old.
Zakir Hussain’s contributions to music were recognised with numerous awards, including four Grammy Awards and India’s prestigious Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan.
About Basant Madhur
Basant Madhur is a renowned Tabla player and is highly respected in the realm of Indian classical music. Born into a family of musicians, his journey in music began at an early age. He moved to New Zealand in 2002, bringing with him a rich heritage of Indian classical music. His passion and dedication to music led him to establish the Sargam School of Indian Music in Auckland in 2006.
The school has since become a cornerstone for Indian classical music education offering training in vocal and instrumental music. He has trained hundreds of students, some of whom have reached high levels of proficiency.
He has accompanied many stalwarts including Vishwa Mohan Bhatt in New Zealand and the USA, Ronu Majumdar in New Zealand and Australia, Rakesh Chaurasia, Dr Kadri Gopalnath and Patri Satish Kumar. He has also worked with several Western musicians, including John Ellis, Luke Hurley, and Frank Gibson Jr in fusion music projects.
The Basant Madhur Ensemble showcases the rich tradition of North Indian classical music. The ensemble includes talented musicians such as Lester Silver (Sitar), Akhil Madhur (Tabla), Sargam Madhur (Sitar) and Purnima Garg (Kathak).
Mr Madhur’s journey is a testament to his dedication to preserving and promoting Indian classical music. His efforts have enriched the cultural landscape of Auckland, providing a platform for aspiring musicians to learn and grow. Through his performances and teaching, he continues to inspire and nurture a love for Indian classical music in New Zealand.
Sounds of India Charitable Trust: Celebrating Indian Culture in Auckland
About the Sounds of India Charitable Trust
The Sounds of India Charitable Trust is dedicated to promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of India. Established to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Indian arts, music, and traditions, it is a part of Auckland’s multicultural landscape.
The Trust organises a variety of events and programmes, showcasing the diverse cultural tapestry of India. These events include classical music concerts, dance performances, and cultural festivals that highlight the traditional and contemporary aspects of Indian culture.
