One of the finest exponents of an ancient form of Indian classical music is to give a concert in Rickmansworth on Saturday.

 Uday Bhawalkar is a world-renowned vocalist who has done much to popularise the Dhrupad genre of music, which dates back to the 15th century. It has its origin in Hindu chants and mantras. The music is designed to induce feelings of peace and contemplation in the listener rather than simply entertain.

 Uday spent more than 12 years learning his art from two of the most celebrated masters of Dhrupad. He made his first public appearance in 1985 and has since performed not only throughout India but around the world.

 The event will be the first concert of Indian music that Three Rivers Music Society has staged. Ash Patil, the society’s chairman, says: “The majority of our concerts will continue to focus on Western classical music but we presented a jazz concert recently and thought it was also time to offer a taste of some of the best that Indian music has to offer. After all, it is true that music is a universal language.

 “I have found that to be true personally. I grew up steeped in the classical music of India. But as an adult I have grown to love Western classical music too.”

Baptist Church, High Street, Rickmansworth, WD3 1EH, July 29. Details: trms.elgar.org