An Indian classical sitar performer with an ear for other genres will be performing at the upcoming Music Fest Vancouver's 11th season.
Burnaby resident Mohamed Assani will have an authentic raga performance on Aug. 13 in Christ Cathedral Church at noon.
"This is my first performance at MusicFest," he said. "I was approached by the (artistic director) who had heard of me through someone. I'm really looking forward to it."
Born in Pakistan, Assani moved here from Leeds, England eight months ago and has been here ever since.
"My wife is from Vancouver, and we have a four-year-old daughter, and we thought it would be a nice place for her to grow up," he explained. "It's a very beautiful place to live, and I find people very open here and welcoming."
Assani also adapts to different genres with his sitar, such as Western classical, jazz and world fusion. He's also worked with contemporary composer Ian Wilson, the Callino Quartet, Grand Union Orchestra and the Black Dyke Brass Band.
"I've also met a lot of international musicians here," he said.
Assani uses the emotive style for sitar, which strives to emulate the human voice through bending the strings.
"I prefer the vocal style," he said. "I was drawn to it and I do lots of improvisation. I've been playing for 13 years."
Also a music educator, Assani has taught at the Royal Academy of Music in London. He was also recently appointed by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra School of Music to teach sitar and tabla starting this September.
Assani studied at Dartington College of Arts in England, where he obtained degrees in Western classical and world music.
"I've generally found people are very open here, musically as well" he noted. "I've met international musicians and experimented with new things, which I also find very exciting."
His MusicFest performance will also mark the launch date of his new album, Spirit of Tradition.
New Westminster vocalist and tabla performer Cassius Khan will join Assani at the Aug. 13 concert.
"It's a nice venue, and I'm really looking forward to playing there," he said.
For more information about Assani and his music visit www.mohamedassani. com.
