Aroha – Music for the Soul –21 March- 24 March 2012

Aroha – Music for the Soul –21 March- 24 March 2012

Two musicians, one fusing ancient Sanskrit chants with the sounds of the electric guitar, the other supporting the first with jazz and classical guitar, will offer three New Zealand concerts, Aroha – Music for the Soul in support of the Art of Living Foundation’s 2012 Happy Family Vibrant Nation initiative. These concerts take place:

• Christchurch, Hornby High School, 180 Waterloo Rd, 7.30pm March 21
• Wellington, Little Theatre, 2 Queens Drive, Lower Hutt 7.30pm 23 March
• Auckland, Clouston Hall, St Cuthbert’s College, 122 Market Rd, 7.30pm 24 March

Vikram Hazra is known internationally for his unique style of music, blending ancient Indian sounds, Buddhist chants and African American spirituals with contemporary blues and jazz. A writer, philosopher, media producer and social activist, Vikram’s aim, through his music, is to open a doorway to the soul. His concerts evoke strong reactions from diverse audiences across the globe –those present speak of a wave of positive energy flooding the performance space.

In these concerts, Vikram will be accompanied by Australian based guitarist/composer, Gavin Libotte, founder of the widely respected Australian jazz/ Latin guitar band, Urban Gypsies.

The artists – biographical notes

Vikram Hazra
As programme director of the international NGO, Art of Living Foundation (NGO), Vikram Hazra travels the world, conducting workshops on personal excellence for corporations and initiating community development and service projects to under privileged communities. He has accompanied AOL founder, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on projects providing safe drinking water, health care and education to Pakistan and Mongolia, among other countries, and been a delegate at such international fora as the United Nations Millennium World Peace Summit.

Besides his native India, Vikram has performed in over 30 countries, including at London’s Bloomsbury Theatre, Johannesburg’s Linder Auditorium. and Mumbai’s Shanmukhananda Hall. He has also given concerts on many university campuses, including the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA, and the University of Warwick, UK.

Gavin Libotte
Born in England, Gavin Libotte has an associate degree in jazz and contemporary music from the Perth Conservatorium of Music. He formed the guitar band Urban Gypsies with Glenn Rogers and released the widely acclaimed debut CD, Gypsy Fever. In 2003 he moved to Sydney and with Simon Phillips recorded a second Urban Gypsies CD, Sauvage. Gavin then collaborated with Gordon Tan and recorded Beautiful Catastrophe. Besides recording and performing, Gavin teaches guitar in and around Sydney.

Art of Living Foundation
The Art of Living Foundation is an international not-for-profit organisation dedicated to serving society through programmes that reduce stress, restore human values and encourage people from all backgrounds to come together in celebration and service.

Inspired in 1982 by spiritual leader and humanitarian, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the Foundation has International Non Governmental Status at the United Nations and works in special consultative status with the UN’s Economic and Social Council on activities relating to health, education, sustainable development and conflict resolution.
www.artofliving.org.nz

Happy Family, Vibrant Nation
The Art of Living Foundation’s focus for New Zealand during 2012 is to provide funding, programmes and support to organisations combating domestic violence in New Zealand. The Foundation is launching Happy Family Vibrant Nation with three musical events by international musicians Vikram Hazra and Gavin Libotte, who have dedicated their support to the campaign.

Free De-Stress Courses
Since the 4 September 2010 earthquake, Art of Living teachers in Christchurch have offered free courses (usually $250 per person) to those suffering stress and other effects in the aftermath. The yoga based breathing techniques taught on these courses significantly reduce anxiety and depression and have been effective in relieving stress symptoms following events such as 9/11, the December 2004 tsunami and 2005’s Hurricane Katrina. Well over 500 Cantabrians have taken part in these courses with participants reporting heightened mental clarity, increased energy levels, emotional stability and a good night’s sleep!

The Art of Living Foundation is grateful to The Trusts Charitable Foundation Inc, United Way and Lion Foundation for support and funding towards the administrative costs of these courses.

ENDS

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