The ensuing performance of world-renowned flutist Rakesh Chaurasia next month in New Zealand will mark a milestone in quality entertainment and in the records of Sargam School of Indian Music, its organiser.
Mr Chaurasia will present three concerts, one each at Whangarei, Auckland and Hamilton respectively on March 7, 8 and 9 in aid of Shri Ram Mandir Charitable Trust, which is constructing a Temple for Lord Rama in West Auckland.
Sargam School
Basant Madhur, a popular Tabla artiste will accompany the flutist at all three concerts, giving vent to his professional calibre and passion for community service.
As Director and Principal of Sargam School of Indian Music, his commitment is also to explore and expose talents. Scores of students learn from him, not only his offerings as a Tabla master but also humility and respect for people, which are hallmarks of his life and career.
We have visited the School, which has been a source of learning and inspiration for the younger members of the society, adults and even the elderly. Since its establishment in 2006, it has been a citadel of learning for people of varied ethnicity and culture.
Promoting fine arts
“Our objective is to be an ideal education centre teaching Indian Classical vocal instrumental music and present concerts with the participation of our students, other local performers and maestros such as Chaurasia. We are proud of our students who belong to various ethnic groups including Indian, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Afghani, Chinese, Malaysian, Fijian, Tongan, South African and American origin,” Mr Madhur said.
As well as supporting his students at their performances in New Zealand, he accompanies internationally renowned artistes during their tour of New Zealand including Pandits Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Ronu Majumdar, Ustad Fazal Qureshi, Dr Kadri Gopalnath and Patri Satish Kumar.
A recipient of a number of awards and citations, Mr Madhur is always the first point of contact for concert organisers.
Sargam School of Indian Music is also proud of its famed vocalist and violinist Dr Shukdev Madhur. He shuttles between his native India and New Zealand, but seldom misses a music performance in either country.
Tabla workshops
Rakesh Chaurasia Flute ConcertsAs well as conducting classes, organising and participating in concerts, Mr Madhur has been conducting Tabla workshops on a number of occasions including the Auckland Diwali Festival conducted by Asia New Zealand Foundation.
Whangarei: The Concert will be held on Friday, March 7 at 7 pm at the Whangarei Intermediate School, located at 32 Rust Avenue. Tickets, priced at $15 are available at The Himalayan Trading Establishment, The Whangarei Migrant Centre and Wards Media Works. Further details can be obtained from Dr Vijay or Indira Harypursat on (09) 4355374 or 021-1827367.
Auckland: Mr Chaurasia will perform on Saturday, March 8 at 630 pm at Dorothy Winstone Centre, Auckland Girls Grammar School.
Tickets, priced at $50 (VIP) $40 and $25, can be obtained from Yogi Ji Food Mart, Mt Roskill and Lotus Foreign Exchange, Westfield St Lukes & New Lynn. Further details can be obtained from Basant Madhur on (09) 6262646 or 021-0357954; Deepak Madhur on (09) 8274151 or 021-02643739.
Hamilton: The Hamilton concert will be held on Sunday, March 9 at 630 pm at the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts, Gate 2B, Knighton Road, University of Waikato. Tickets, priced at $30 and $20 are available at Village Organics and Yogi Ji Food Mart.
Further details can be obtained from Lester Silver on (07) 8545532 or 021-2591526; Todd Nachowitz on (09) 8562866 or 0274-327590; Malathi Vasudevan on (09) 8562652 or 021-942699.
