Jay Thakkar, an upcoming flautist and a student of one of the most revered flute maestros Pt Hariprasad Charasia, has been conducting a series of 25 thematic, Indian classical flute recitals.

These fortnightly concerts are gaining in popularity because of their unique nature and have already gained many regular followers.

An architect by profession, Jay Thakkar started learning classical vocals when he was young. However, he soon moved to learning the flute and then the realization in retrospect began. Today, he is a full time flautist, abstract art painter and a music teacher.

Radioandmusic.com's Chirag Sutar chats with the classical music purist in the city's music bylane.

Excerpts:

What is the purpose of having a 'theme' based concert?

Usually, if you go at a classical concert, the artists will say, "OK, now I will play raag Bhairavi", he plays the raag and starts with the next piece which may or may not fall under the raag which emotes, say 'Karuna Rasa'. Having a theme helps the layman understand the music that is played. To draw the listener into the music, giving some background information about what is being played helps.

You have learned under a name which is synonymous with flute. Please share your experience.

Everyone knows that Panditji is an outstanding musician. But, Panditji has this unique quality; he's also an incredible teacher – not many musicians have this quality.

Organizers are not doing much for the classical music scene in the city. Agree?

Well, what the young classical musician lacks is a platform to perform. There's no such platform for budding classical musicians. Even if organizers arrange a classical concert, it only features big names.

Don't you think that the concerts that you do, need to be promoted more aggressively? After all, marketing has become an important factor.

I am promoting these theme based concerts at an individual level. I personally send out mails, stick posters or even climb a tree to put my concert banner – I find nothing demeaning in it. But then, as an individual, I can only do that much.

You are also coming up with your own album. Tell me more.

Yes, the album is ready and will be out in November. It will be releasing under my own label 'Music Abstract'.

The next Jay Thakkar concert happens on 17 October, 2008.

Theme - Shaanth Ras

Pic by Mitesh Bhuvad