A night of music with friends

Melbournians will be able to enjoy evening of Indian classical music with a Western twist, performed by internationally acclaimed artists, at Monash University this week.

Presented by the Monash University Academy of Performing Arts (MAPA), Debasis Chakroborty and fellow musicians Sam Evans and Stephen Magnusson will perform Debasis Chakroborty and Friends, a show featuring traditional Indian music as well as original compositions by the artists.

Chakroborty is an Indian classical guitar player who combines both Gayaki (vocal) and Tanktrakari Ang (instrumental) styles. Performing on the modern slide guitar, his music style follows the oldest traditions of playing sarod, sitar and veena.

Both Tantrakari and Layakari rhythmic patterns are prominent in his music, with listeners describing his recitals as enchanting.

For the last decade Chakroborty has been regularly performing at major Hindustani classical music festivals throughout India and is in high demand as an international performer. He has toured Australia, Italy, Malaysia, Singapore, China and Korea. This performance will be his first in Australia since 2008.

Fellow performer Sam Evans has established himself as a modern voice in the world of tabla, after a decade of study in India. His distinctive approach expresses both a sense of spaciousness and the vibrant sophistication of the Indian tabla tradition.

Evans is a regular international performer and has performed live on Indian and Australian television, as well as with a variety of bands at numerous international jazz and world music festivals. He is a lecturer in Indian and world music at Monash University and is the founding director of the Melbourne Tabla School.

Completing the trio, Stephen Magnusson is considered one of Australia’s most versatile and distinct musicians with incredible technique and an astoundingly beautiful tone. His hectic schedule shows that he is a delight to work with in the world of improvised music.

Magnusson has worked with many articles including Charlie Hadel, Meshell Ndegeocello, Ricki Lee, Vince Jones, Katie Noonan, Michelle Nicole, Paul Kelly and the Director of MAPA, Professor Paul Grabowsky.

Debasis Chakroborty and Friends will be held from 7.30pm on Friday, 22 March 2013 in the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music Auditorium, Building 68, at Monash University’s Clayton campus. Ticket prices range from $10-20 and are on sale now. For bookings and enquiries contact +61 3 9905 1111 or visit the MAPA website.

For more information or to request interviews please contact Shana Stewart, Monash Media & Communications on +61 3 9903 4840 or shana.stewart@monash.edu.