Staff Reporter –
info@indiannewslink.co.nz
A number of Auckland based artistes, adept in a variety of disciplines including vocals, instruments and dancing are coming together to participate in a musical evening with world-renowned flutist Rakesh Chaurasia.
Organised and presented by Old Fort the programme, called, ‘Sargam Fusion with Rakesh Chaurasia,’ is scheduled to be held on Friday, June 24 at Great Hall of Town Hall located at Queen Street in Auckland’s Central Business District.
Sargam Fusion, an Auckland based music group is putting together the show as a part of its ‘Global Indian Project’ concert.
Following is a brief profile of the artistes.
Ahi Karunaharan (Piano): Ahi is a classically trained pianist and cellist. Having completed his musical studies through Trinity and Royal School of Music, he continued his training in Music Composition, Arrangement and Ethnomusicology at Otago University. He plays both Indian and Western Classical music and has collaborated with various International Arts Festivals and diverse communities locally and most recently performed his solo works in London, Malaysia and Canada. Apart from music, Ahi is also trained actor, writer and is currently director for The Engine Room at Auckland Theatre Company.
Akhila Puthigae (Vocal): Akhila is a Pharmacy Student at the University of Auckland and has been singing publicly since the age of 2. She has a keen interest in music. Akhila plays the piano, bassoon, guitar, and is trained in operatic singing. Akhila performs in local musical shows, as well as for the School of Pharmacy.
Ashish Ramakrishnan (Vocal): Having performed in over 500 concerts across the globe, Ashish is a winner of Zee TV Saregama & Close-up Antakshari. He has done several voiceovers; sung and composed several jingles for radio stations across UK, India and New Zealand. Ashish has performed with veterans of Bollywood music like Kalyanji Anandji, Babla Kanchan; and Indian Classical stalwarts like Ustad Fazal Qureshi and Ustad Dilshad Khan.
Basant Madhur (Tabla): A well-known figure in Auckland, Basant continues to striving for greater things whilst maintaining his modesty and humility. Basant is fortunate to be born in a musically oriented family and has accompanied renowned artists like Pt Ronu Majumdar, Pt Rakesh Chaurasia, Pt Vidya Bhushan, Pt Vishwa Mohan Bhatt amongst others.
Krissy Jackson (Violin): Krissy has been a musician from the tender age of two when she began learning the violin. Krissy is a composer, performer, teacher and choral ‘Musical Director’. She has played with many Irish/Celtic bands including Reel Men and Shenaniganz in the Waikato as well as jamming and performing with many other musicians. Krissy has also performed with Craig Smith at the ‘Taranaki for Christchurch’ concert. Far from being strictly classical, Krissy enjoys playing Celtic, Bluegrass, NZ Folk, Jazz, Gypsy as well as classical (and maybe just a little country). Never one to turn down an opportunity to play and perform, Krissy loves to jam with singer-songwriters and cover bands.
Ratna Venkat (Dance): Ratna is a renowned dancer par excellence, classically trained in Bharata Natyam, Kuchipudi as well as Kathak. Her dancing abilities match her passion for excellence on stage. She has performed and collaborated with various music bands at a number of events around New Zealand and overseas, including ‘Tribute to Sir Edmund Hillary’ at Governor-General’s Residence, ‘Asia-Pacific Culture Day’ in Taiwan, Diwali at NZ Parliament and Mother Teresa Interfaith Committee. Ratna is a delight to watch and mesmerises audiences in her every performance.
Editor’s Note: Profiles of other artistes will appear in our June 15, 2016 issue
