Presenter: Basant Madhur
Title: Tabla Traditions & Global Fusion
Abstract:
How can one instrument carry centuries of tradition and still speak so naturally across cultures?
A celebrated tabla maestro and composer, Basant Madhur bridges the depth of Indian classical rhythm with contemporary and cross-cultural music. Based in New Zealand, he is widely recognised for his dynamic performances, global collaborations, and contribution to music education. His work reflects both deep-rooted tradition and an expansive creative vision that connects cultures through rhythm.
Key Takeaways:
- Discover the language of tabla: Explore the role of rhythm in Indian classical music and how the tabla creates intricate patterns, expression and conversation within a performance.
- See how tradition can evolve through collaboration: Learn how Basant brings classical technique into contemporary and cross-cultural settings, using rhythm as a bridge between musical traditions and audiences.
Date:
This World of Music Workshop will run on Wednesday 4th November from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm.
Venue:
We're pleased to be hosting this workshop at Symphonia Hall, an intimate performance venue in the heart of Auckland. With its exceptional acoustics and welcoming atmosphere, it provides a wonderful setting for music, creativity and shared learning.
About the expert
Basant Madhur
Basant Madhur is a distinguished tabla player, composer, and music educator, born into a family of musicians and trained under his elder brother Deepak Madhur and renowned Punjab Gharana maestro Late Pt. Pawan Kumar Verma. Known for his expressive playing and musical versatility, he is regarded as one of the most respected Indian classical artists in New Zealand and across Australasia.
Since relocating to New Zealand in 2002, Basant founded the Sargam School of Indian Music, training over 500 students and nurturing the next generation of musicians. He has performed internationally alongside leading maestros such as Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Pt. Ronu Majumdar, Dr. Kadri Gopalnath, and Patri Satish Kumar, and collaborated widely in fusion projects including India Meets Ireland, Shades of Shakti, and West Meets East with The Global Strings. His performances span India, New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, and the USA, and he is recognised for his engaging stage presence and ability to connect deeply with audiences through rhythm and creativity.
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