Sandip Burman To Perform on North Indian Drums
Sandip Burman, a world-renowned tabla player, will perform at 8 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 24 in the Remick Heritage Center at Alma College.
“I want to share what little I know about Indian music,” says Burman. “Music is my life.”
Tickets are $8 for adults and free for Alma College students, staff,
and youth 18 and under. Call (989) 463-7304 between 1 and 5 p.m.
Monday through Friday to reserve tickets.
Burman, native to Durgapur, India, is a disciple of one of India’s
eminent tabla maestros, Pandit Shyamal Bose of Calcutta. Burman first
came to the United States in 1988 sponsored by the Transcendental
Mediation and Beatles guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
With concerts and solo performances at the Kennedy Center, San Diego’s
Street Scene, House of Blues Chicago, Ravinia Festival and many other
acclaimed venues and festivals around the world, Burman’s recognition
as an exceptional tabla player continues to grow.
His talent and dedication to his music has enabled him to play with a
variety of prominent musicians. Burman has performed with Indian
classical musicians such as Ravi Shankar, Hariprasad Chaurasia, Lakshmi
Shankar, Rajeev Taranath, Budhadeb Dasgupta, Debu Chaudhuri and Chitres
Das. He also has shared the stage with Jack DeJohnette, Al DiMeola,
Bela Fleck, Randy Brecker, Dave Pietro, Paul Bollenbeck and several
other legendary jazz artists.
“I like all kinds of music, says Burman. “I like the Beatles. I like
Miles Davis. I like classical music. Any good music is good.”
Exploring the different musical genres that he appreciates, Burman has
worked with Danny Elfman, contributing to the soundtrack of Tim
Burton’s “Mars Attacks!” He recorded with Dr. L. Subramaniam, a famous
Indian violinist, and is showcased on his album “Global Fusion.”
“I started playing in my childhood,” Burman says, and now he doesn’t
“know anything else to do” besides his music. “Hopefully people
will like it and understand the message I am trying to give,” he says.
Burman’s performance at Alma will present a full perspective of Indian
music and will include a discussion comparing the music system in India
with the western system. Performing with him will be Colin Mason
(saxophone) and Chris Siebold (guitar).
He will play another instrument called tabla tarang, which comprises 12
tabla, each individually tuned, which allows him to play melody on
tabla. Currently, he is the only touring tabla tarang player in the
world.
“If I can pass my music, my culture, to the next generation, I feel satisfied,” he says.
Burman dedicates approximately half of his year to touring and teaching
in the United States. An acclaimed educator, Burman conducts master
classes at high schools and universities along his tour and has taught
in Holland, Europe, Mexico, North Africa, Israel, and Canada.
Posted: Tue, October 17th, 2006 at 8:01AM
