Our Bureau
Houston, TX
The Indo-American Association (IAA) of Houston presented Strings & Beats: A Tribute to Ustad Zakir Hussain in an unforgettable evening on May 15, 2025 at MATCHBOX 4 in the Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston (MATCH). The event featured sarod maestro and Padma Shree winner Pandit Tejendra Narayan Majumdar and tabla virtuoso Pandit Tanmoy Bose, who delivered a heartfelt homage to the late Ustad Zakir Hussain, celebrating his transformative influence on global percussion.
The scintillating performance began with a short yet powerful video of Zakir Hussain ji on the stage. This was followed by a lighting of the lamps by Pandit Tejendra Narayan Majumdar, Pandit Tanmoy Bose, Sheetal Bedi, Executive Director of IAA and Mrs Vinita Arora, the Artistic Director. The simple but striking stage decor was a fitting backdrop. The 90-minute performance had the audience spellbound.
The evening was graced by the presence of Pandit Suman Ghosh, a distinguished Hindustani classical vocalist of the Mewati Gharana and founder of the Center for Indian Classical Music of Houston (CICMH). Recognized as a cultural ambassador, Pandit Ghosh has been honored for his efforts in nurturing the ‘guru-shishya parampara’ and promoting Indian classical music in the Western world.
Under the visionary leadership of Executive Director Sheetal Bedi, IAA continues to champion the rich heritage of the Indian subcontinent through performing arts. Bedi’s commitment to fostering cultural appreciation and inclusivity has been instrumental in curating events that resonate with diverse audiences.
The Strings & Beats concert was a testament to IAA’s dedication to presenting high-caliber performances that honor tradition while embracing innovation. The dynamic interplay between Pandit Majumdar’s sarod and Pandit Bose’s tabla captivated the audience, reflecting the profound influence of Ustad Zakir Hussain.
Photography by Golden Ray Photography by Thiru, encapsulated the evening’s vibrant energy and emotional depth.
For more information about upcoming events and the Indo-American Association’s mission, please visit its website.
