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| Hindustani Flute Concert - Rupak Kulkarni |
Press Release
03/02/2007
Tabla - Aditya Kalyanpur
Rupak Kulkarni
is a disciple of the world-renowned bamboo flute Maestro Pundit Hari
Prasad Chaurasia. The biggest difference between Indian and Western
Classical Music is that the former is based largely on improvisation,
with emphasis on the creativity of the performer rather than on the
exact reproduction of a composer’s work. “I think flute is the easiest
instrument to reach out to people. When I perform abroad, I don’t have
a problem connecting with the audience. In fact they know the Western
flute and when they see me play the Bansuri (bamboo flute), they know
what other sounds can be derived from it. We introduce more staccato
beats to keep them interested, of course, improvising only within the
raga being played,†says Rupak. (www.rupakkulkarni.com)
Rupak's
concerts are a treat, combining the elements of the ancient vocal
Dhrupad and more recent genre, Khayal. His melodious alap
and scintillating "Tatkar" (tounging technique used for Jhala (Melody
Interpolated in very fast tempo), mesmerizing "Layakari"(rhythm),
superb breath control and dexterous finger work are awesome. He has
performed in Australia, USA, Russia, Japan, Africa, England, and France
etc. His concert at "Asian Super Flautist Festival" in Japan is
particularly a memorable one. He has worked with renowned music
directors in Bollywood films such as Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gam, Fiza, Mr.
and Mrs. Iyer etc. Rupak has collaborated with many renowned musicians.
• Drums - Trilok Gurtu; Taufiq Qureshi; Reto Weber and Stephen Rigert (Switzerland)
• Guitar - Marc Liebeskind (Switzerland)
• Saxophone - Philip Harpen (France)
• Djembe - Adama Drame (West Africa)
"Monsoon Magic" and "Unwind" are Rupak's bold and successful endeavors
with fusion music. Besides, he has composed and performed along with
his own fusion group "Sonakshi".
Rupak is A Torch Bearer of the Maihar Gharana. The credit for
establishing the Maihar School goes to Ustad Allauddin Khan who did not
come from a family of musicians. He studied with one of the top
beenkars (lute) of his time, Ustad Mohammad Wazir Khan of Rampur Seniya
Beenkar Tradition. Ustad Allauddin Khan was a master of 20 different
musical instruments. The genius of the Ustad of Maihar has given the
world, renowned music celebrities like Sarod maestro-son Ustad Ali
Akbar Khan, son-in-law – Legendary Sitar Maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar,
pioneer of flute late Pundit Panna Lal Ghosh, daughter
Annapurna-Surbahar, and famous Sitarist Pundit Nikhil Banerjee among
others.
Aditya Kalyanpur
studied with the late legend of Punjab School, Ustad Alla Rakha and now
continues with the one and only ustad Zakir Hussain. His teachers
performed with Pt. Ravi Shankar for over two decades. Aditya has
performed with great maestros of music such as Pandit Shivkumar Sharma,
Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Dr. Prabha Atre, Dr. Mrs. N. Rajam, Ustad Sultan
Khan, Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Kathak dancers Shama Bhate, Sunaiyana
Hazarilal, Carnatic musicians, Jazz musicians and other international
artists. Aditya has performed solo for the ‘Rolling Stones’ inaugural
concert in Mumbai, India. His style consists of bold and clear
execution of syllables, pinpoint precision in rhythm coupled with a
colossal repertoire of compositions and improvisational techniques,
making his concerts a sheer joy.
This concert is partially funded
by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts and co-sponsored by
Indian organizations and Businesses of RI.
Date: 03/24/2007
Location: Blackstone River Theatre, 549 Broad Street, Cumberland, RI
Time: 7.00 pm
Organized By: Raagmaala, Inc.
Cost: General Admission $15, Students with ID $10
Tickets: are sold at the cosponsoring Indian restaurants of RI “Kabob and Curry†401-273-8844, “Rasoi†401-728-5500 and the venue.
Contact: Arun: 401-433-1409
Web: www.riverfolk.org
Email: raagmaala@gmail.com
Directions: www.riverfolk.org
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