Budding artistes and those with a fleeting interest in Flute can have the benefit of a workshop and demonstration by one the foremost performers of the instrument this weekend.
Mala Chandrasekhar, indubitably a great flutist, will explain the techniques and styles of Flute at Mt Albert Senior Citizens Hall, 2 Wairere Avenue, Mt Albert on Friday, May 6 at 715 pm.
She will outline the history of the Flute in concerts, the legends and masters of the instruments and different styles of playing at concerts.
The first public performance, organised by Rasikas (NZ) Limited in association with the Auckland based Sangeetha Bharathi School of Music will be held at the Selwyn College Auditorium in Kohimarama in Auckland on May 7 at 6 pm.
Ms Chandrasekhar will present her second concert at Adam Concert Hall, Victoria University, Kelburn, Wellington on May 8 at 4 pm. Rasikas and the Wellington-based New Zealand Indian Fine Arts Society are organising the event.
She will be accompanied by Hirisave Narasimhamurthy (H N) Bhaskar on the violin and Palladam Ravi (Ramachandran) on Mridangam at the concerts.
Like everything in life and career, the Darwinian theory of ‘Survival of the Fittest’ pervades the music world as well.
For a long time, the Flute was an instrument that was men’s prerogative.
As a child of the famous Sikkil family in Tamil Nadu (her mother Neela and aunt, the late Kunjumani standout as the icons of Flute), Ms Chandrasekhar took to the flute naturally and soon mastered the instrument, but not before encountering a series of challenges and impediments.
“It is the Divine hand of God that has been a source of strength in my life and career. There were high expectations as a member of a well-known musical family. I strongly believe that if one is destined to get something, God takes care of the hurdles,” she said talking to us from her home in Chennai.
Such down-to-earth artistes are hard to come by and aspirants must make the best use of her forthcoming visit by attending the workshop and concert.
Ms Chandrasekhar said that aptitude is just one step towards achieving proficiency in any profession, especially in music.
“Hard work, perseverance and dedication, tempered by commitment and passion are important for success. Patience and steadfastness are also essentially qualities and one must pursue excellence and seek perfection in everything that one does,” she said.
What: Flute Concert by Mala Chandrasekhar & Party
Organised by: Rasikas NZ (Auckland), Sangeetha Bharathi School of Music
& NZIFAS Wellington
Where: Selwyn College Auditorium, Kohimarama Road, Auckland
When: Saturday, May 7 at 6 pm
Where: Adam Concert Hall, Victoria University, Kelburn
When: Sunday, May 8 at 4 pm
What: Free Demonstration of Flute Techniques & Styles
Where: Mt Albert Senior Citizens Hall, 2 Wairere Avenue, Mt Albert, Auckland
When: Friday, May 6 at 715 pm
Contact: Priya Srinivasan (09) 4160165 Email: rasikas.nz@gmail.com
Govardhan Mallela on (09) 6245922
Balajee Thirupukuzhi (04) 9724032 Email: teeyenbee@hotmail.com
