Ravi Shankar

with Anoushka Shankar and group / India

Legendary sitar virtuoso and composer Ravi Shankar is a loved and respected musical phenomenon whose artistry continues to cross all cultural and musical boundaries. As India’s most esteemed musical ambassador, he is renowned for his pioneering work in disseminating India’s rich classical music tradition to the West. His early career in India followed years of dedicated study under his illustrious guru Baba Allaudin Khan.

Mr Shankar came to international attention after his memorable performance at the infamous Woodstock Festival in 1969. Described by George Harrison as “the Godfather of World Music”, his association with The Beatles increased his fame in the early part of his career – but his popularity did not end there. The musical messiah has worked tirelessly ever since to take his country’s music to every corner of the earth, and in 2009 he celebrated an astounding 70 years of performing for the public.

He has received numerous awards and honours during his career, including 14 doctorates from universities in India and the United States. In 1985, when he received a doctorate from California Arts, the citation read: “Ravi Shankar, musician to the world”. It is almost 30 years since Ravi Shankar last performed in New Zealand, and he returns during the Festival for his special 90th birthday performance. He is joined on stage by his daughter Anoushka, a sitar virtuoso and composer in her own right.

Image: Steve Ladner
Duration: 2 hrs (including interval)

Event listed by festival2010

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