The cross -flute is referred to in Wikipedia as "the outstanding wind instrument of ancient India." Hindus revere the Bansuri, an Indian bamboo cross-flute that served as Lord Krishna's musical instrument.
The flute has gained popularity throughout the years, becoming the instrument of choice for international artists, such as Sir James Galway, Ian Anderson, and the Rock band Jethro Tull.
But when it comes to bamboo flute, Indian influence has been very prominent, with the ‘Bansuri Guru’ Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia being the most recognised name.
For the Kiwi-born flautist Nelson Myer-Daly, Pandit Chaurasia has been a major influence and inspiration. Myers-Daly is one of the most popular names in the Christchurch music circuit who specializes on the cross -flute.
In an interview with the Indian Weekender, Myers-Daly said he always felt drawn to Indian culture and music. As a Sri Chinmoy disciple, taking up the flute was a natural progression and way to express his spirituality.
Excerpts:
How and when did you become interested in playing the flute?
Music has been a large part of my life for most of my life. I have played guitar, percussion, drums and even Irish whistle when I was a kid.
Having a musician father who listens to a wide variety of music, I have always grown up hearing music from different cultures such as African, Middle Eastern, and Indian.
In my later teens, I really started to take an interest in learning Indian classical music as I was drawn to it on an emotional level.
Do you remember when you started learning to play the flute?
Eight years ago, when I had the chance to see Rakesh Chaurasia perform at Auckland Girls Grammar, I was so moved by his music that I decided I wanted to learn how to play the bamboo flute.
Soon I ordered the E bass classical flute. I was learning how to hold it and get a sound within a couple of weeks.
As opposed to Irish or western flutes, the technique of this instrument is quite different. Covering the holes requires a lot of finger stretching and takes time to become comfortable with.
Who has been the inspiration in your journey?
My family has followed Sri Chinmoy as a spiritual teacher since I was three years old, and he has been a major influence and motivation to live a spiritual life, practise meditation, and create music.
How did you learn to play the flute? Did you have a teacher?
I've learned a lot about playing the flute through listening to recordings and viewing videos of masters. I have also been lucky to have classes with Debopriya Chatterjee, a disciple of Hariprasad Chaurasia Senior.
Where have you performed so far?
I have performed and been part of many projects and concerts over the years which is always such a blessing and learning experience. Lots of my performances have been with my dad in Monk Party but I have also been involved with Auckland-based musicians such as Tabla player Basant Madhur, Father and Daughter music duo Yadvinder Singh & Amrita Kaur. I have also performed with overseas musicians such as Sarangi player Kamal Sabri, Kirtan singer Krishna Das, Bengali Singer Rezwana Choudhury Bannya, and Irish whistle player Brian Finnegan.
Have you visited India?
I have not had the chance yet to go to India physically but I do feel very connected to India in many ways. I do plan on going and studying at Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia Gurukul. It will be a dream come true to meet and learn from him and some of his senior disciples such as Debopriya Chatterjee.
Which Indian flute player(s) do you admire and follow?
I really admire and keenly observe the work of Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia, Rakesh Chaurasia, Debopriya Chatterjee, Suchismita Chatterjee, Rupak Kulkarni.
Then there is the other Gharana of flute players such as Pt Rajendra Prasanna and his son Rishab Prasanna which I follow.
Apart from the flute, which other instruments do you play?
The flute is my main instrument. But I also play the percussion and I sing too.
Tell us something about Monk Party.
My father and I collaborate as Monk Party and we play the devotional compositions of Guru Sri Chinmoy blending our musical interests from around the world to offer a meditative experience to our audience. Till now, we have recorded five albums and have toured NZ, Australia, parts of the US and Mongolia.