India’s Best Sarod Player to Visit Las Cruces

By Larissa Miranda, El Paso Times, Texas

Jul. 25–EL PASO — Amjad Ali Khan, India’s recognized sarod, or lute, maestro, will perform at the “Concert of Classical Music of India” on Saturday at the New Mexico State University’s Music Recital Hall. It will be presented by the NMSU Music Department and the nonprofit PADMINI (Promotion of Arts, Dance and Musical Instruments of India).

“PADMINI wants to bring the best, and on the sarod, he is the best,” said Arup Das, secretary of PADMINI. “We want to expose the classical cultural heritage of India to the Land of Enchantment.”

The sarod is an Indian stringed instrument that is played with a pick made of coconut shell and produces a sound similar to a guitar.

“The sound is more expressive, more crystal,” Kahn said.

Khan learned to play the sarod from his father and passed on the tradition to his two sons, who are also well-known sarod players. Khan has performed worldwide, most recently in Scotland, where he recorded “Sarod Concerto” accompanied by 60 musicians.

He also recorded “Sarod for Harmony — Live at Carnegie Hall” in 2002 to commemorate playing for 50 years.

Khan said that unlike Western music, Indian music does not use written notes. Instead, each piece is improvised by the musician.

“The concert I play that night will be especially for Las Cruces,” he said. “I cannot repeat that concert ever in my life.”

The concert will be the first classical Indian music concert in the Las Cruces-El Paso area, and its mission is to open the door for residents to the

Indian cultural heritage.

“People are wondering,” said Khan, “but I promise, I can assure they will enjoy a different musical experience full of peace, tranquility and love.”

Larissa Miranda may be reached at living@elpasotimes.com; 546-6194

Make plans –What: “Classical Music of India Concert.”

–When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

–Where: NMSU Music Recital Hall, 1075 N. Horseshoe, Las Cruces.

–How much: $25, $20 and $15 at TicketMaster outlets, 544-8444 or www.ticketmaster.com

–Information: Arup Das, 505-272-6120, or Prefti Bhakta, 575-496-1152.

—–

To see more of the El Paso Times, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.elpasotimes.com.

Copyright (c) 2008, El Paso Times, Texas

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

Bombay:500321,