AUS hosts Amaan and Ayaan Ali Khan in concert

American University of Sharjah (AUS) hosted a performance by the sons and disciples of sarod icon Amjad Ali Khan, Amaan and Ayaan Ali Khan, yesterday, November 3, 2015, in the university's Main Auditorium.

The concert, organized by the AUS Cultural Events Committee and the Indian Cultural Club at AUS, was attended by members of the AUS community including AUS Chancellor Dr. Björn Kjerfve, faculty members, students, as well as members of the general public. The duo, known for their musical artistry, held the audience spellbound with their music, performing a repertoire that featured traditional Indian classical ragas and Indian folk music.

"The first and most important element of Indian classical music is the raga. A raga is made of a set of ascending and descending notes within a certain discipline. It is a fast rhythmic style of instrumental music characterized by a constant plucking of the drone strings," explained Amaan Ali Khan.

Both performers perceive their music as a pathway to spirituality, stating that the development of Indian classical music should be understood in both spiritual and scientific terms.

Amaan Ali Khan and Ayaan Ali Khan are seventh-generation sarod (a 19-stringed lute) virtuosi, part of a lineage that includes the legendary Indian classical musicians Amjad Ali Khan and Haafiz Ali Khan. Their dazzling technique has enabled them to flow effortlessly between the instruments' sweet melodic tones and explosive rhythmic dynamism. The artists were accompanied by two brilliant tabla masters during the performance.

The event ended with a reception which allowed audience members to interact with the performers.