An Evening Honoring the Legacy of the Legendary Tabla Virtuoso featuring Rakesh Chaurasia, Shashank Subramanyam, Anubrata Chatterjee, and Parupalli Phalgun.
Our Bureau
Brookville, NY
Tilles Center for the Performing Arts at Long Island University and the Indo-American Arts Council are honored to present A Musical Tribute to Zakir Hussain: Uniting Traditions, Celebrating a Legend, a breathtaking musical experience paying homage to the unparalleled legacy of tabla maestro Zakir Hussain. This extraordinary concert, featuring an ensemble of world-class musicians, will take place on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Krasnoff Theater.
For decades, Zakir Hussain was a trailblazer in global music, merging classical Indian traditions with contemporary and world music influences, and his sudden passing in December leaves a legacy to be remembered. His profound artistry not only redefined percussion but has also fostered cross-cultural collaborations that transcend borders. A Musical Tribute to Zakir Hussain brings together some of the finest artists from around the world to honor his contributions, celebrating his lifelong dedication to uniting musical traditions and inspiring generations of musicians.
IAAC Chairman Dr. Nirmal Mattoo stated, “As we celebrate his extraordinary life and legacy, we are reminded of the invaluable role he played in fostering cultural connections. His music not only preserved the rich traditions of Indian classical arts but also opened doors to cross-cultural dialogue, enriching the global arts community.”
An extraordinary lineup of musicians will perform. Rakesh Chaurasia, renowned flautist, nephew of the legendary Hariprasad Chaurasia, and two-time 2024 Grammy award winner for the album As We Speak, a collaboration with Zakir Hussain, Bela Fleck, and Edgar Meyer, is celebrated for his mastery of the bansuri and his ability to blend traditional and contemporary styles. Shashank Subramanyam, a Grammy-nominated virtuoso of the Carnatic bamboo flute, has been mesmerizing audiences worldwide since his debut at the age of six. Anubrata Chatterjee a tabla maestro from the Farrukhabad gharana, is known for his dynamic performances and collaborations with global artists. Parupalli Phalgun, an accomplished mridangam artist, is admired for his rhythmic dexterity and deep understanding of Carnatic percussion.
“Zakir Hussain’s influence on the world of music is immeasurable. His artistry has bridged cultures, genres, and generations, leaving an indelible mark on the global stage,” said Tom Dunn, Executive and Artistic Director of Tilles Center. “This special tribute is a testament to his profound legacy and the power of music to connect us all.”
“Ustad Zakir Hussain was in a league of his own, and the world is forever richer for his gifts—but also poorer for his absence,” observed Sunny Thakkar, IAAC Music Festival Director.
The concert will be a mesmerizing confluence of Hindustani and Carnatic traditions, showcasing the rich tapestry of Indian classical music. Audiences will be treated to a spellbinding, uninterrupted ninety-minute performance by masterful artists, presenting music that embodies the spirit and essence of the groundbreaking musical fusion he championed for over five decades. In addition to the music, the evening will be enriched by heartfelt narratives, as the artists share personal anecdotes and cherished memories of their experiences with the maestro, offering a deeply intimate and nostalgic tribute to his extraordinary legacy.
“I am truly delighted by this musical tribute to Ustad Zakir Hussain, and it is especially meaningful to have Rakesh Chaurasia performing, as he and Zakirji won the Grammy together last year. This concert is a beautiful testament to the legacy of a maestro who united musical traditions across the world. I am also thrilled to see the coming together of Hindustani and Carnatic music on this stage, reflecting the rich diversity and harmony that Zakirji championed throughout his life,” shared Suman Gollamudi Nanduru, IAAC Executive Director.
Tickets for A Musical Tribute to Zakir Hussain are now on sale and can be purchased through Tilles Center’s Tantleff Box Office, located at 720 Northern Boulevard (Route 25A) in Brookville, New York. The box office is open Monday through Friday, 1 to 6 PM. Tickets are also available online at tilles center website or via Ticketmaster. This performance is part of Tilles Center’s commitment to presenting world-class artistic experiences that celebrate cultural diversity and inspire audiences. The 2024/25 season is generously sponsored by Catholic Health.
Tilles Center for the Performing Arts at Long Island University Post’s mission is to engage and enrich our community through arts performance, education, and advocacy. For more than 40 years, Tilles Center has hosted and presented more than 50 performances each season by world-renowned artists in music, theater, and dance. The nonprofit also supports thousands of children and adult learners each year through its robust arts education programs, providing arts experiences to underserved communities — from low-income school districts and those on the autism spectrum to local seniors.
Located in New York City, Indo-American Arts Council Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit arts organization passionately dedicated to promoting, showcasing and building an awareness of arts and artists of Asian Indian heritage. The artistic focus is primarily on the performing arts besides the visual, literary and folk arts. For information please visit its website.
Long Island University, founded in 1926, continues to redefine higher education, providing high quality academic instruction by world-class faculty. Recognized by Forbes for its emphasis on experiential learning and by the Brookings Institution for its “value added” to student outcomes, LIU has a network of over 285,000 alumni, including industry leaders and entrepreneurs around the globe. Visit its website for more information.
Catholic Health is an integrated system encompassing some of the region’s finest health and human services agencies. The health system has nearly 17,000 employees, six acute care hospitals, three nursing homes, a home health service, hospice, and a network of physician practices.
