Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia

An internationally acclaimed flautist, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia is a very popular and eminent artist who is recognized for his outstanding contribution in popularizing Indian art music throughout the world. Highly acclaimed both in India and abroad, his consummate artistry has distinguished him as the greatest living master of the bansuri, the North Indian bamboo flute. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to music, he was given the National award of the Sangeet Natak Academy in 1984. In 1992, he was the first flautist in Indian history to be awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's most prestigious award recognizing excellence in arts. Other awards include honorary citizenship of the City of Baltimore, and Proclamation of July 25th as Hariprasad Chaurasia Day in San Francisco. Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia is a rare combination of innovator and traditionalist. His musical repertoire extends beyond North Indian art music to Indian folk, Indian popular music and western music. He has composed music for many Indian films including 'Silsila' which was a platinum disc in India. His album 'Eternity' incorporated many western elements alongside North Indian art music. He has also collaborated with Western artists like John Mclaughlin and Jan Garbarek. Some of his highly acclaimed performances have taken place at the Prince Albert Hall in London, the Bolshoi Theater, Kremlin Conservatory, Carnegie Hall in New York, City Concert Hall in Hong Kong, and Masonic Auditorium in San Francisco. Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia is also a dedicated teacher with devoted music students throughout the world who are beginning to make their mark on the concert stage. He dedicates five months of the year at the Rotterdam World Music Conservatory where he chairs the Indian Music Department.