| chaitra rhythms |
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date: march
24-26, 2006
artist: gaurav mazumdar
this march, a select gathering experienced chaitra rhythms in the vast expanse of the mountains and the forests with classical raags (indian art music compositions) from the sitar strings of gaurav
mazumdar. the event was organisaed by soulitudes
and himalayan village.
the event coincided with the first month of india’s new year chaitra after holi – the indian festival which marks the end of winter and the beginning of
spring. celebrating it with raag kafi, a lighter, more festive raag associated with the
festival, the music took form amidst the back drop of trisul, panch chulli and nanda devi – some of the majestic peaks that form the great himalayan range. each peak is filled with stories and myths with deep significance to india’s philosophical, religious and spiritual traditions. we may be unaware of the legends but will be able to grasp the sheer power of the physical presence of the peaks and the range on a clear day from the beautiful little retreat himalayan village
gaurav mazumdar’s tutelage was under the famed sitar maestro pandit ravi shankar where he imbibed music under the age-old guru shishya parampara. gaurav recently won the famed echo prize (akin to a european grammy), for a collaborative musical composition titled east meets west with reputed violinist daniel hope. part of the effort is to continue the tradition that began when their respective masters pt ravi shankar and legendary violinist yehudi menuhin showcased the ability for western classical music and indian art music structures to connect. the project has also been nominated for a grammy this year. gaurav has been very particular in maintaining the integrity and authenticity of the indian classical structure in the project.
along with sunrise alaaps and evening candelight concerts,
guests also explored the mukteshwar forest reserve, hike to a 1000 year old temple and played cricket with the local villagers.
all complimented by pahadi cuisine in addition to mouth watering
momos.
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gaurav mazumdar, perhaps one of the most sought after & versatile musicians of the present generation,
in concert with philip glass. |
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| about gaurav mazumdar |
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gaurav hails from a family of well-known musicians of allahabad.
he started to learn the sitar from the very basics and studied under the legendary pandit ravi shankar since 1985. he has indeed come a long way in his musical journey that began with vocal music, then violin and finally, the sitar. performing since the past several years both in india & abroad, gaurav has performed for major festivals at prestigious venues. he has also collaborated with well known musicians from both the east & the west. he has had the rare honour of being chosen to compose music for a ballet based on 'siddhartha', the book by noble laureate, hermann hesse.
a joint presentation 'east meets west', which pandit ravi shankar and western classical musician lord yehudi menuhin had performed & recorded many years ago, gaurav performed this with menuhin's disciple daniel hope at several festivals and a recording of the same has been released by warner classics receiving worldwide acclaim.
gaurav has also collaborated with and composed for the english chamber orchestra and performed at the queen elizabeth hall-london.
his performance at the vatican to celebrate the new millenium was an unique event where he presented his creation 'akanksha', dedicating it to world peace.
gaurav recently collaborated and performed with philip glass on his latest creation 'orion' which was premiered in athens to commemorate the olympics'2004 in
greece. the composition was specially composed by pandit ravi shankar.
he has several albums to his credit, released by leading recording companies both in india & abroad and his concerts have been enjoyed and appreciated by large audiences the world-over and have recieved rave reviews.
it is gaurav’s ability to remain rooted in the best of India, maintain the authenticity our art musical traditions but yet be open to work to connect with other art music forms (both indian and western) that attracted us to conceiving the experience in the himalayan village.
still more about him at www.gauravmazumdar.com |
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