MSOE hosts benefit concert for Pakistan
| Published: 10/14/2005 |
|
South Asian musicians and diversity of students work together to offer hope to those affected by Pakistan earthquake
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Oct. 22, 2005
Location: MSOE's Todd Wehr Auditorium, 1047 N. Broadway (at Highland)
Parking: Free, MSOE lot at Broadway and Highland
Admission donation: $8 per person
MSOE is organizing and hosting a concert to benefit victims of the recent earthquake in Pakistan, featuring Midwestern-based, seven-piece outfit, Eastern Passions. The band comprises artists (including one MSOE professor) who are originally from Pakistan, United States and India and play rich songs evoking life in South Asia, sung in Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi and Siraiki. The group has a devoted following throughout the Midwest.
Rounding out the program will be musicians from MSOE's student body including the MSOE Symphony Orchestra, String Quartet and The Sound Engineers pep band.
The benefit concert for Pakistan has received the endorsement and support of Dr. Karamad, ambassador, Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and to the Consul General in Chicago.
Artists in Eastern Passions
Gul, an MSOE associate professor and musician, was born and raised in Lahore, Pakistan. Gul learned semi-classical singing as a child from Khalil Ahmad. She continued her music education in Lahore and later in Islamabad, Pakistan during her regular studies. She came to the United States in 1990 and currently she teaches general chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry at Milwaukee School of Engineering. She sings in four different languages and is working on her first solo album.
Patric Marks, born in Junagadh, India, learned to play sitar from Ghulam Hussain Khan of Indore Gharana and is a graduate of Akhil Bharatia Gandarva Maha Vidyaley. He was a director of music and cultural activities in Saint Xavier's college in Ahmadabad. He moved to the United States in 1973 and has devoted his efforts to the appreciation of South Asian music. Marks currently resides in Chicago and teaches music.
Janmejay Mahant, born in Gujrat, India, began playing tabla at an early age and was trained by Nagin Jadav. He is an engineering graduate from a polytechnic college in India He moved to the States in 1994, and now and lives and works in Sheboygan, Wis.
DhananJay Kunte was born in Nagpur, India and raised in Puna. He was trained on the tabla by Shri Pandurang Mukhrey, and Bhai Gaitunde and Narayan Zoshi (both disciples of Ustad Ahmad Jan Thrikwa). Kunte came to the States in 2003 and now works as a research assistant in the area of colon cancer.
Illinois native Jill is a versatile musician who plays sitar, key board and tanpura. She started learning this instrumental music in 1973 and is an accomplished musician
Also from Illinois, Sonia has studied Indian classical music for 10 years and plays tanpura. She is the premier student of Patric Marks and has performed at Milwaukee's Asian Moon Festival, among other venues.
Roy Mahant, born in Gujrat, India, began playing harmonium in high school. He came to United States in 1973. He has performed at the Hindu temple of Milwaukee, among other venues.
Details: contact Dr. Samuel Scheibler
Pieper Family Endowed Chair for Servant-Leadership, Distinguished Lecturer in General Studies, MSOE, 414-277-2269.