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Tanjore Vishwanathan holds first
Carnatic music concert in China

Renowned United States-based flutist Tanjore Vishwanathan and his American wife staged the first Carnatic music concert in China, generating much interest among Chinese connoisseurs of classical music.

Vishwanathan, who is adjunct professor at the Music Department of Wesleyan University in Connecticut, was in Beijing this week at the invitation of the prestigious Central Conservatory of Music (CCM).

The maestro, during his sojourn in Beijing and in East China's Shanghai city, gave lectures and staged concerts, CCM professor Chen Zi Ming said.

Chen, who is also president of World Music Society of China, said Vishwanathan's visit to the country had not only helped in increasing knowledge about Indian music but provided an insight into India's rich culture.

Vishwanathan played the flute to the accompaniment of the 'Tanpuru' by his wife Josepha Cormack.

Commenting on his experience in Beijing, Vishwanathan said the trip was 'highly rewarding' as he never expected such an enthusiastic response from students in China.

"They asked me so many questions. I am impressed by their quest for knowledge," he said.

His wife Josepha Cormack had completed her Phd in ethnomusicology from Wesleyan University in May, 1992.

David Nelson, who gave a rendition on the 'mridangam', has written a thesis called 'mridangam mind'.

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