A.R. Rahman to stage 'peace' concert in Australia

Music maestro A.R. Rahman has offered to hold a peace concert in January next year in Australia where many Indian students have been target of alleged racial attacks.

The concert will be held at Parramatta Park in Sydney on January 16, 2010, said a press statement on Thursday (August 13).

The Oscar winning composer said the concert will be an attempt to "reunite culturally and spiritually" in view of the racial vibe.

The concert, Rahman hoped, will create a "bridge of understanding and love" and break down "cultural misunderstandings".

Premier Nathan Rees of New South Wales has congratulated Rahman for the offer, the statement said.

Meanwhile, Rahman has also joined hands with Britain's Middlesex University for a programme focussing on blending Asian and Western music.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between Rahman's Chennai-based KM Music Conservatory and the university that may also look at opportunities to provide a collaborative three-year music programme, said a press statement released on Thursday.

Rahman, who has also been awarded an honorary doctorate by the university, thinks of the collaboration in music instruction "as a great bridge between Indian and Western music".

Middlesex University offers programmes in music composition, music management, music performance, and jazz and popular music.

Indo-Asian News Service

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