 San Anselmo, CA --- June 18, 1997 --- Ali Akbar Khan, one of today's most
accomplished Indian classical musicians and raga composers, will be awarded
three new honors. He will receive 1997's National Heritage Fellowship, the
National Endowment for the Arts' most prestigious honor in folk and
traditional arts, in September; and he has been chosen to perform at two
very exclusive events celebrating the 50th anniversary of India's
independence, in August.
The NEA considers its Fellowship recipients guardians of a generations-old
folk art representing many threads of America's cultural fabric. The
recognition includes a one-time award of $10,000 and honor achievements as
artists, teachers, innovators, and keepers of traditional art forms. Khan
will participate in an awards ceremony and concert that will be hosted by
the NEA during September, 1997, in Washington, D.C.
Jane Alexander, Chairman of the NEA, states, "Our highest honor in the folk
and traditional arts recognizes masters whose extraordinary talents spring
from the heart of home and community. With vision and dedication, these
individuals pass skills from generation to generation -- bringing new life
to invaluable traditions, and shaping a nation where our differences become
our strength."
With a family musical history dating back to the 16th century Court of
Akbar, the North Indian Moghul Emperor, Khan trained with his father
practicing 18 hours a day. His fame has led to recordings and annual
worldwide tours including Carnegie Hall, Tokyo's East-West Encounter and the
Monterey Jazz Festival. At age 75, Khan maintains a rigorous touring and
teaching schedule. In 1967, he founded the Ali Akbar College of Music,
where he has taught more that 7,000 devotees.
"I am truly honored to receive this Fellowship in America, which has been
my home for 30 years. It pleases me that the NEA engenders different
cultures through exploration of the arts," expresses Khansahib.
Ali Akbar Khan is considered a National Living Treasure in his native India
and has been honored by royalty, revered by jazz, classical and pop
musicians world-wide, and is recognized as the maestro of sarode -- a
complex 25 stringed Indian instrument. His numerous honors include the
President of India Award, a MacArthur Foundation Genius Grant and four
GRAMMY Award nominations in 1997, 1996, 1983, and 1970.
In addition to the recognition from the NEA this fall, Khan has been chosen
to spotlight India's 50th Anniversary of Independence. He will perform at
two very exclusive, by-invitation-only events for the government of India,
at the United Nations in New York, and for the Indian Embassy at Kennedy
Center in Washington, D.C. For the first time, during both concerts, his
wife, Mary and his son, Alam, will perform with him. |