Embassy of Switzerland in New Delhi Press release New Delhi, 20 March 2012 “Swiss Strings with Indian flute” - concert by Nicolas Senn (Hackbrett (Engl.: hammered dulcimer) in a musical dialogue with Pandit Ajay Prasanna on the flute The Embassy of Switzerland presents a concert by Nicolas Senn (Hackbrett (Engl.: hammered dulcimer) in a musical dialogue with Pandit Ajay Prasanna on the flute. A rising star in the field of Swiss folk music, Nicolas Senn will play the Hackbrett (Engl. Hammered dulcimer; Indian Santur) at the Embassy of Switzerland on occasion of the Swiss Promotion Day. His concert will include popular Swiss songs and a fusion with the well known flautist Pt. Ajay Prasanna. Highlights of this day would be the presence of a Chef from Switzerland who brings a few special dishes from the Swiss kitchen to the platter. Special show at the Embassy by invitation only on Tuesday, 20th March 2012 Nicolas Senn, an internationally travelled Swiss musician from Appenzell, plays the Hackbrett (hammered dulcimer) and has to his credit, in additional to several global performances and TV shows, also several music awards. Today he is considered one of Switzerland’s most popular Folk music exporters. He of course plays besides folk music also other genre of music incl. Jazz, Rapp etc. Hackbrett or the hammered dulcimer is a traditional string instrument found in many countries of Europe and Asia. The Graeco-Roman dulcimer (sweet song) derives from the Latin dulcis (sweet) and the Greek melos (song). The dulcimer's origin is uncertain, but tradition holds it was invented in Mesopotamia, as the Iraqi Santur some 2000 years ago. It is very popular instrument in Switzerland from the region of Appenzell. Embassy of Switzerland Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri, P.O. Box 392 New Delhi - 110 021 Phone: +91 11 2687 83 72 Fax: +91 11 4995 9500; 4995 9509 Email: [email protected] Webpage: http://www.eda.admin.ch/newdelhi Press release Swiss participation at week of the Francophonie Pt. Ajay Prasanna, one of the leading International flautists in India, was born in a family of classical musicians. He received his training in flute from his father- Pt. Bholanath Prasanna from the Banaras Gharana who is also the Guru of Pt. Hari Prasad Chaurasia. Ajay Prasanna is a rare combination of innovator and traditionalist. He has significantly expended the expressive possibilities of north Indian classical flute through his masterful blowing technique. Ajay is well known for his incredible melody, fluency, maturity and dexterity in his performance in both the gayaki and tantrakari styles of playing. With the support of: Mövenpick Hotels & Spa Bangalore, Omega (Swatch Group India Pvt. Ltd.), Switzerland Tourism, VFS Global, Swiss International Air Lines Pvt. Ltd. For more information on Swiss Promotion and the artists please contact: Ms. Ruchita Jindal Press Officer Embassy of Switzerland Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri Tel.: 0091 11 4995 9500, Extn.: 220 Email: [email protected] 2/2 .