Pandit Swapan Chaudhari to be honoured

Instrumental music fest Taalchakra will commence on Jan 30 in Pune and on this occasion, the 4th Taal Ratna award will be presented to tabla maestro Pandit Swapan Chaudhari by well-known ghattam player Vidwan Viku Vinayakram.
Apart from a memento, the award comprises a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh. Taalchakra is an unique event that is dedicated to instrumental rhythm and like every year, this year too there will be a confluence of various artistes at the event.
The highlight of the event will be the Swedish Folk Group performance by 6 artistes from America and Europe. This is a great opportunity for all Punekars to watch and hear their favourite musicians perform on stage. Jazz performer George Brooks will also perform on this occasion. The last day of the fest, (Feb 1) will see Vidwan Manargudi Vasudevan and Sukhwindersinh Namdhari performing. This will be Vasudevan’s first performance in Pune on his instrument taveel and Namdhare’s tabla beats will resonate in the city after a long gap of 20-25 years.
Also lined up for the evening is A Sivamani’s performance with Runa Rizvi’s Sufi and folk ghazals, Ojas Athiya’s tabla and Vishal Dhumal’s keyboard melodies.