A legendary Indian bansuri flute player will perform at the Kimo Theater on Friday.
The India Students' Association is bringing Pundit Hari Prasad Chaurasia to Albuquerque.
Chaurasia received the title pundit because in India, he is considered a master of flute playing.
"A pundit is a person that is an expert, particularly in music," said Sachin Patkar, former president of the association.
Patkar said it takes up to 50 years to achieve the title.
"He is a guru in playing that instrument," he said.
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Patkar is originally from Bombay, India, and came to New Mexico for his master's program in architecture. He said he took a chance by inviting Chaurasia to Albuquerque.
"I don't have a big organization behind me, but I told him I would like to do it on my own," he said. "We don't have a portfolio, but we love and appreciate his music. I just took a chance, and I am surprised he agreed to it."
Patkar said Chaurasia, head of the music department at a university in Rotterdam, Netherlands, is here because he loves to teach.
"He loves students, and he promotes his music to students," he said.
Saraswati Khalsa, cultural secretary of the association, said the idea behind the show is to merge distinguished musicians with younger talent.
"Living legends of today in concert with maestros of tomorrow is the theme,' Khalsa said.
Khalsa said Chaurasia is distinguished by what he does with the instrument.
"It's a really simple flute, but he does very sophisticated things with it," she said.
Patkar said he wanted the event to be open to everyone.
"There are other artists that come to Albuquerque, but those concerts are exclusive," he said. "My idea was to do it differently. Indian students here are really hard working, and they appreciate this kind of effort."
There will also be a free lecture in the SUB's Lobo Room on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. where Chaurasia will give a demonstration and explain what classical Indian music is about.
Patkar said he is excited to share this experience with 600 other people.
"I have heard most of the legions of Indian classical music live, but this particular artist I have never heard the magical experience live," he said. "I just want people to come and appreciate the show. Then everything has paid off."
Khalsa said she is proud to co-sponsor the event.
"This is our biggest event of the year," she said. "It's also the biggest event the ISA has ever put on."
Coming Attraction
Pundit Hariprasad Chaurasia
Where:Kimo Theatre
When: September 24 8 p.m.
Tickets:(505) 768-3522
