Paris to celebrate `Hariprasad Chaurasia Weekend`

New Delhi, Oct 7 (PTI) Acclaimed Indian flutist Pandit
Hari Prasad Chaurasia, who was recently knighted by the French
government, will now be honoured with a special two-day-long
celebration in Paris.

The 71-year-old classical musician who was appointed
'Knight in Order of Arts and Letters' by the French Ministry
of Culture in July this year will perform at the musical
extravaganza, 'Hariprasad Chaurasia Weekend' which will take
place in June 2010.

"India and it's culture is finding its due place in the
international scene and I am really happy to be contributing
to that phenomena through my music. The knighthood came as a
surprise and it is a great honour to have an entire event
planned around you," Chaurasia told PTI.

The flutist, who has been awarded both the Padma Bhushan
and Padma Vibhushan, will perform with artists chosen by him
at four concerts and a public master class at the Musee du
Quai Branly.

"Indian classical music leaves western audiences
astonished. They are used to concerts where musicians perform
with their notes in front of them and then they come to an
Indian recital an artiste performs with no such help.

"They observe keenly and the applause at the end is
often deafening," said Chaurasia who has also been honoured by
the Dutch Royal family who conferred the title 'Officer In The
Order Of Orange Nassau' on him. (More) PTI