Called the "Mozart of Indian Music," legendary musician and composer Chitraveena N. Ravikiran will perform at Hope College at the Knickerbocker Theater on Wednesday, Oct. 6, at 7:30 p.m.
A child prodigy, Ravikiran began his background in Indian music when he was able to perform 325 ragas and 175 talas at the age of two. He won awards for his music at the age of six, including the United States New Age Voice Finalist Award. By the time he was 18, Ravikiran presented a record-setting 24-hour non-stop recital.
"Perhaps the greatest slide instrumentalist in the world today," Australian "Radio National" hailed Ravikiran. The composer-performer has toured the world several times collaborating with a variety of groups and artists. Ravikiran also performed with orchestras such as the BBC Philharmonic and Cleveland Opera. His collaborations include world-renowned artists, Taj Mahal and Glen Velez. In addition to his hectic performing schedule, Ravikiran has created more than 500 original works. He has also released several solo recordings, and appeared on numerous other recordings.
"Teasing precision... infinitesimal microtonal shadings reminiscent of the human voice," said "The New York Times."
At Hope College, Ravikiran will perform with percussionist Rohan Krishnamurthy. A Michigan resident, Rohan has been performing since he was nine years old. He has been awarded "The Prodigy in Performing Arts" by the Indo-American Center in New York.
Ravikiran and Rohan performed together at the 128th annual Harballab Sangeet Sammelan festival in Jullundhar. It was only the second carnatic production in the history of the festival.
The Knickerbocker Theatre is located at 86 East 8th St. in downtown Holland.Tickets are $5 for the general public and free to Hope students, faculty and staff. Tickets will be sold at the door only.