Padmavibhushan Hariprasad Chaurasia

An internationally acclaimed flautist of India, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia is very popular and eminent artiste par excellence who is known for his outstanding contribution popularizing Indian classical Music all over the world. His consummate artistry has distinguished him as the greatest living master of the North Indian bamboo Flute, acclaimed both at home and abroad. Born on July 1, 1938 in Allahabad he began his initial training in classical vocal technique from Pt. Rajaram. He then switched to learning flute playing from Pt. Bholanath of Varanasi and he toured with him for eight years. He received further guidance from Surbahar player Shrimati Annapurna Devi, daughter of late Ustad Allaudin Khan and sister of Ali Akbar Khan. Under her guidance his music acquired a new depth. Since that time Pt. Chaurasia has been performing nationally and internationally winning acclaim from the varied audiences and from fellow musicians like late Yehudi Menuhin, Jean Pierre Rampal, among others. Pt. Chaurasia tours regularly in USA and Europe. As a musician, Chaurasia is a rare combination of innovator and a traditionalist.

Rakesh Chaurasia

A well-known name is connected to the young Rakesh Chaurasia, nephew and prodigy of Hariprasad Chaurasia, the master of the flute. He is a leading disciple of his guru and denotes all promising signs to continue the art of his teacher. Like his uncle, Rakesh shows the right balance between artistic power and dignity in his play, an important talent for a flute player. His virtuoso blowing technique, combined with his illustrious svaras and talas allow him to let flow his emotions through his flute. All over the world Rakesh has given enthusiastic concerts, both in classical and semi-classic music. He is a well-known player, too, in the Indian film industry.

Zakir Hussain

India's foremost Tabla player is a global phenomenon when it comes to the Indian drums. He is the son of the legendary late Ustad Allah Rakha of the Punjab Gharana. Probably the youngest musician to be bestowed upon with the civilian honour of the Padmashree. Zakir has collaborated with musicians like Mickey Hart, John McLaughlin, and more recently Sting and Santana for fusion compositions. The Table speaks in the hand of this young Ustad.