International sitar master to perform in Wichita

International sitar master Ustad Nizami will highlight an interfaith “Universal Harmony Concert” Sunday at First United Methodist Church of Wichita.

Nizami, a Sufi Muslim, is a 17th-generation descendant of the inventor of the ancient Eastern stringed instrument and has performed for three United States presidents and other heads of state, including Nelson Mandela of South Africa and Queen Elizabeth of England.

His son, Faraz, has toured with him and accompanied him on the tabla drums. On Sunday, he will make his public debut on the sitar, carrying the family tradition into the 18th generation.

The concert, sponsored by Global Faith in Action, will also feature Brent Valliant of Wichita on organ and an interfaith choir made up of singers from several local congregations.

The fourth annual harmony conference will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the church, 330 N. Broadway. Admission is free; a free-will offering will be taken with proceeds going to fight child hunger in Lambert, Haiti.

For more information or to volunteer to sing in the choir, visit www.globalfaithinaction.com.

This story was originally published April 24, 2015 at 5:08 PM with the headline "International sitar master to perform in Wichita."