Posted on10 May 2025:
Echoes of Tradition: A Celebration of Indian Classical Music Honoring Ustad Zakir Hussain
On May 3, 2025, the Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden, North Salem, New York 10560 resonated with the soulful rhythms of Indian classical music as artists gathered to honor the legendary Ustad Zakir Hussain (1951–2024). This remarkable event, featuring both a workshop and a mesmerizing concert, offered attendees a profound journey into the artistry and legacy of classical Indian music.
Workshop (1–3 PM) – Aspiring musicians and enthusiasts learned from the expertise of Pandit Ashis Sengupta, a distinguished tabla player, and Pandit Suman Laha, a virtuoso of Indian classical guitar. The interactive session illuminated the intricacies of Indian classical compositions, fostering a deeper understanding among attendees.
Concert (4–8 PM) – As the evening unfolded, the audience was captivated by spellbinding performances. Kavindra Sahabir (sitar) and Kushal Sahabir (tabla) enchanted listeners with their seamless interplay. Pandit Suman Laha (Indian classical guitar) and Raj Kumar Chattopadyay (tabla) infused the event with their brilliance, while Pandit Ashis Sengupta, accompanied by Rohan Mishra on Sarangi, delivered a heartfelt tribute to Ustad Zakir Hussain, honoring his enduring musical legacy.
“We had 2 hours of lecture- demonstrations by Pandit Ashis Sengupta and Pandit Suman Laha ji, followed by students’ performances in both Indian and Western classical music. Ashis ji performed tabla solo followed by Suman ji’s classical slide guitar performance,” explained the organizers of the program.
The serene ambiance of the Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden, New York provided the perfect backdrop for this unforgettable celebration of tradition and craftsmanship.
With every beat of the tabla and every melodic stroke of the sitar, the event rekindled a deep reverence for the roots of Indian classical music, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
