Internationally renowned musicians bring classical music of India to Tacoma

PANDIT DEBI PRASAD CHATTERJEE

In an effort to reach out and form coalitions, Tacoma Area Coalition for Individuals with Disabilities (TACID) is sponsoring a concert Oct. 10 featuring the classical music of Northern India.

The concert will present teacher of Indian music Pandit Debi Prasad Chatterjee on sitar and Seattle musician Tor Dietrichson on tabla. Tickets are $15 at the door, $12 advance, and $10 for students with activity cards. The concert will be held at TACID, 6315 S. 19th St., at 7:30 pm.

Pandit Debi Prasad Chatterjee is a distinguished name among Indian musicians as an outstanding sitarist and a highly regarded teacher of Indian classical music. He is widely respected for his devotion to music, and his control over the Ragas with systematic exploration has placed him among the top instrumentalists of his era.

Born in Calcutta to a family of rich cultural and musical heritage, he developed a distinct and unique style of his own by receiving extensive training from various maestros. In 1986 he became the disciple of world famous maestro Ustad Ali Akbar Khan.

Chatterjee belongs to the Senia Maihar Gharana and draws inspiration from playing the style of Nikhil Banerjee. For many years he has been successfully performing in major music concerts all over India and abroad. In India he was invited to perform in Dover Lane Music Conference, Radio Sangeet Sammelan, Sadarang Music Conference, Tansen Music Conference, National Programme of Music at All India Radio & Doordarshan, and many more.

Overseas, he took part in Bishya Banga Sammelan, North America Bengali Conference. He has played in numerous concerts across the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Holland, Italy, France, Austria, Iceland, Ireland, Belgium, Australia, and Luxemburg to propagate Indian classical music in the western world. Chatterjee has also performed at major festivals around the world like the Intercultural School of Music in Venice, Lowell Folk Festival in the United States, Arts Festival in Canada, as well as major venues across the world.

Dietrichson has a musical resume that includes recording duets with one of India’s top cultural ambassadors Ustad Zakir Hussain, a longtime personal friend. Two recordings of Dietrichson’s compositions have been produced by renowned violinist and former Mahavishnu Orchestra member Steven Kindler. Both recordings feature many renowned artists including flutist Paul Horn, guitarist Joaquin Lievano, (Santana percussionist) Karl Perazzo, vocalist Flora Purim, keyboardist Jovino Santos-Neto and numerous others. His first album “Global Village” charted high in the United States.

The sitar and tabla act as point and counter-point giving rise to melody and rhythm. Proceeds from the concert go to promote support groups in over four dozen categories at TACID. Call (253) 565-9000 (ext. 10) or visit http://www.tacid.org for more information. Tickets may be purchased at TACID Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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