Ustad Nishat Khan

The sound is ethereal--the hypnotically compelling repetitions of Gregorian chant, meditative and calming. Then, unexpectedly, another sound enters, the plangent call of a sitar, its sensual sound twining around the voices of the singers, blending into a unique musical experience. No wonder it's called "Meeting of Angels."

The sound is ethereal--the hypnotically compelling repetitions of Gregorian chant, meditative and calming. Then, unexpectedly, another sound enters, the plangent call of a sitar, its sensual sound twining around the voices of the singers, blending into a unique musical experience. No wonder it's called "Meeting of Angels."

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Originally a recording concept, the "Meeting of Angels" mix of Gregorian chant and North Indian sitar music has been transposed into an unlikely but viable touring concert. Sitarist Ustad Nishat Khan and the Gregorian Voices quartet delivered the package Friday at the Irvine Barclay Theatre on their first trip through the United States. As with similar New Age conceits, such as the Jan Garbarek/Hilliard Ensemble "Officium," a certain suspension of cynical and purist impulses is required here.

Originally a recording concept, the "Meeting of Angels" mix of Gregorian chant and North Indian sitar music has been transposed into an unlikely but viable touring concert. Sitarist Ustad Nishat Khan and the Gregorian Voices quartet arrived Friday at the Irvine Barclay Theatre on their first trip through the U.S. As with similar New Age conceits, such as the Jan Garbarek/Hilliard Ensemble "Officium," a certain suspension of cynical and purist impulses is required here.