Chicago’s new South Asia center holding string of concerts in January celebrating Ravi Shankar

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South Asia Institute, Chicago’s new center for cultivating the art and culture of South Asia and its diaspora, announced three programs in January.

In a Dec. 14, 2021 press release, the SAI said these shows “provide valuable context for the multimedia exhibition, Ravi Shankar: Ragamala to Rockstar, A Retrospective of the Maestro’s Life in Music, on view through March 5, 2022.”

The sitar workshop on January 8, 2022, and Indian Classical Music concert on January 29 are both headlined by Grammy™-nominated musician Gaurav Mazumdar, a disciple of Ravi Shankar.

All programs require advance registration and tickets can be purchased at saichicago.org. All programming takes place at the South Asia Institute, in the Motor Row area at 1925 S. Michigan Avenue.

Wisconsin-based Mazumdar, who hails from Allahabad, is a sitar virtuoso of more than 30 years-standing. He has been performing around the world and is the only Indian artist to have performed at the Vatican and at the Concert for George for the late George Harrison, the press release said.

The SAI said that like his teacher, the legendary Ravi Shankar, Mazumdar is committed to championing the preservation of the art form through educational initiatives and cross-cultural exchanges. Examples of that are his Grammy™-nominated performance with Daniel Hope, other East-West collaborations, his work with Philip Glass and his collaboration with the Hesse family on the ballet Siddhartha.

“No matter your cultural background or familiarity with Indian classical music, the music of Ravi Shankar is universal and will move you in ways you did not think possible,” Mazumdar is quoted saying in the press release. “I am honored to follow the footsteps of my guru in gathering the community through a musical journey like none other through these upcoming programs.”

Following are the three Exhibition-related events in January:

Musical Workshop: Learning the Ravi Way with Gaurav Mazumdar, Saturday, January 8, 4:00-5:30 p.m. $15 Admission.

Indian Classical Music Concert: Gaurav Mazumdar. Available in person and via livestream. Saturday, January 15, 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. $25 Admission.

Film and Discussion: Tenth Decade: Live in Escondido Saturday, January 29, 4:00 p.m. Free with exhibition admission ($10 general, $5 students)

For more details on each program visit saichicago.org