Foreign artistes to play Hindustani classical music

The city will witness a melting pot of music on the first day of the New Year as a Japanese, German and Dutch national jam together at a first-of-its-kind Hindustani classical instrumental music concert.

While Takahiro Arai from Japan will play the santoor, Saskia Rao De Haas from the Netherlands will join him on the cello and Stephanie Bosch from Germany will play the flute. These artistes will be showcased on Idea Jalsa Music for the Soul, which will be aired on ZEE TV on January 1, 2012, at 10.30am.

Takahiro is a disciple of santoor maestro Pandit Shivkumar Sharma and both Saskia Rao De Haas and Stephanie Bosch are disciples of the flautist-legend Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia.  “This shows how deeply Indian classical music moves the world and how so many of them are pursuing it professionally,” said Chaurasia.

Japanese Takahiro told DNA, “I am grateful to this show for providing a platform to upcoming professional musicians like Saskia Rao, Stephanie Bosch and myself.”

A regular on the Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia concert circuit across India since 2007, Takahiro is respected as a gifted musician in his own right.

Saskia Rao De Haas is a recognised cellist and composer from the Netherlands. She introduced her innovative instrument, the Indian cello, to Hindustani classical music and created a unique playing style.

Stephanie Bosch started to play the flute at the age of six, and as a solo Indian classical flautist, she has performed in Germany, Netherlands, India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan to much critical acclaim.