Dutch maestro Lucas van Merwijk chooses Bengaluru for India debut

By Divya Shekhar

BENGALURU: Being in the forefront of the European Jazz, Latin and Percussion scenes for over 25 years has not dimmed Lucas van Merwijk's penchant for learning or passion for music. While the maestro chose Bengaluru for his first performance in India, he spoke to ET about his debut in the city's thriving music scene, fascination with Zakir Hussain and all things Indian.

"I have never performed in India.So I'm looking forward to this experience a lot," he said. Merwijk, who started playing drums at the age of eight and got into jazz at 19, has been teaching at the Amsterdam and Rotterdam conservatory for the past 30 years. The brain behind four international ensembles, Merwijk represents global music collaboration in every sense. This, he agrees, is what keeps him going.

"The Music Machine has a changing line-up every one or two years depending on the musical theme. I just like to play with great musicians, no matter where they come from," he said. Merwijk is recipient of the Global Act Award 2010. About the musician who moved him the most in recent times, he said: "I went for the concert of percussionist Zakir Hussain. It was one of the best concerts I have ever seen," he said.