Ronu Majumdar

Sounds of Indian flute to fill Old Cabell Hall on Oct. 2

One of India's foremost flutists, Ronu Majumdar, will present a concert of Indian classical music in Old Cabell Hall Auditorium Oct. 2 at 8 p.m. Performing ragas of the North Indian classical style, Majumdar will be accompanied by Vijay Ghate on tabla, the drums of North India. Both musicians are highly regarded internationally.

The event is sponsored by the Center for South Asian Studies, the McIntire Department of Music, and the South Asian Cultural Society, with support from the Starr Foundation.

Born in Varanasi, Majumdar was introduced to the art of flute-playing by his father, also an accomplished musician. He studied under several respected and well-known musicians in North India. In 1981, he was awarded first place in the All-India Radio Music Competition and received special praise when he performed with Ravi Shankar's musical ensemble at the Asia '82 Festival in New Delhi and at the Festival of India in Moscow. Since then, he has performed extensively in Europe, the U.S., Canada, Japan, Australia and the Middle East.

His accompanist, Ghate, is considered one of the best young tabla players within Indian classical music circles. He began playing tabla at the age of 4, and by the time he was 16, had achieved fame for his scintillating solos as well as his sensitive accompaniment to vocal and instrument music and kathak dance. He has traveled with Indian musicians on tours throughout Asia, Europe, Africa and North America. Together, the two musicians are presently touring the United States.

A pre-concert lecture on Indian music will be given by tabla instructor Nitin Tripathi at 7:15 p.m. in Old Cabell Hall, room 107. Tickets for the concert, available at the Cabell Hall Box Office, 924-3984, are $10 for general admission and no charge for full-time students.

For information, contact Cindy Benton-Groner at 924-8815.