Concert Information

An Indian Classical Duet Concert of Sitar and Indian Cello with Tabla Accompaniment

Featuring Shubhendra Rao, Saskia Rao-de Hass and Subroto Bhattacharya

Pandit Shubhendra Rao

A protégé of Sitar Maestro Ravi Shankar, Pandit Shubhendra Rao has been described “not only as a master of his instrument but also as a thinking musician, constantly endeavoring to carry his instrument beyond conventional boundaries” and “a musical bridge to many culture whose music is an experience for his audience that is not aimed at titillating the senses, but to seize the soul.”  Critics and connoisseurs hail him as a worthy successor to his Guru’s tradition. His relentless service in promoting Indian music has made him a highly respected figure in the field of music and education across the world.

Maestro Saskia Rao-de Haas

Musician and Author Saskia Rao-de Haas is hailed as a pioneer for creating and introducing her own instrument, the Indian Cello to Indian Classical Music. Flute Maestro Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia

 speaks of his disciple Saskia as “someone who has been taught by God.” and saying “everybody should listen to her music.” Critics and audiences alike have praised her for artistic depth and technical virtuosity. She has also authored India’s first ever music curriculum, Sangeet4All, and over 1,000,000 children have been influenced by this unique curriculum. Her latest book on Indian Music history, Shāstra was recently released at the Asia Societies in New York and Houston as a part of the Jaipur Literature Festival.

Subroto Bhattacharya

Subrata is one of the top ranked Tabla players of India. He is a disciple of legendary Tabla maestro, Shankar Ghosh and has performed extensively with leading artists of the country all over the world.

The Ensemble

From Carnegie Hall and on Broadway in New York to Sydney Opera House, from Edinburgh festivals in Scotland to the Salzburg International Music Festival in Austria, from National Arts Festival in South Africa to Beijing Performing Arts Centre, from Theatre de la Ville in Paris to the Opera House in Rio de Janeiro —the Indo Dutch couple have performed at some of the major concert halls and music festivals in the world.

New York Times describes their music as ‘movingly meditative’. The Edinburgh Press writes . “a work of outstanding originality, conveying the fullness of an entire orchestra—a sound as evocative and rich as life’s journey”. The Indian Press describes them as “taking Indian Music to a brave new era”.

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