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Global Sitar Fusion & Cross-Cultural Concerts

byShubhendra RaoTravels for performances across IndiaStarts from2,75,000 per performance (60-90 mins)View full gallery

Music is a universal language, and my greatest joy is finding where our traditions meet. Whether it is a symphony orchestra in South America or a jazz fusion session, I love building bridges through sound.

Performing my Guru Pandit Ravi Shankar's Sitar Concerto No. 1 with the Guayaquil Municipal Orchestra in Ecuador. It is an honor to bring the sound of the sitar to a full philharmonic orchestra, bridging worlds through music.

"Falling Leaves", an impromptu jam session with old friends. Here, the Indian sitar and cello converse with the Chinese pipa and the tabla, connecting our hearts without a single word.

The experience of performing my Guru's Sitar Concerto in Guayaquil, Ecuador, was met with a standing ovation that lasted over 10 minutes. The love for our culture in this part of the world is humbling.

An excerpt from the finale of our orchestral composition "Song of Water," premiered in Rio de Janeiro. This is a moment of pure gratitude and musical synergy.

Rehearsing with Maestro Ricardo Delgado for an Indo-Peruvian musical collaboration. Exploring the ancient and beautiful music of the Incas was a fascinating journey.

A special Hindustani-Carnatic jugalbandi, uniting the musical traditions of North and South India. This performance with the wonderful veena artist Dr. Suma Sudhindra was a beautiful exploration of shared culture.

An amazing experience jamming with multi-Grammy award winner Dianne Reeves and the legendary Herbie Hancock. It was a joy to see my son Ishaan also perform and receive their compliments.

A clip from our orchestral composition "Love and Celebration," which premiered in Rio de Janeiro. This project was a dream to create and perform.

Humbled by five standing ovations at the Theatro Municipal in Rio. We worked hard on our orchestral piece, and to see it received with such love was incredibly rewarding.

The historic Theatro Municipal in Rio, an absolutely stunning venue. It was a fortune to perform here with the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra.

About Crossing Borders: Global Collaborations

I don't just perform; I collaborate to create a new sonic dialogue. When you book a global collaboration set, we are weaving stories from different cultures rather than just playing music. Whether you need a specific fusion ensemble for a corporate event or a grand orchestral feature, I work with you to ensure the musical arrangement fits the energy and scale of your occasion.

My journey with the sitar has taken me from the traditional raga stages of India to the grand concert halls of Rio de Janeiro and Guayaquil. For me, global collaboration is about more than just mixing instruments; it is about finding that moment where a Hindustani raga and a Western orchestral score start speaking the same language.

I have had the honor of performing my Guru Pt. Ravi Shankar's concertos with philharmonic orchestras and jamming with jazz legends like Herbie Hancock. These experiences have taught me that music, at its core, is a conversation.

What a Global Collaboration Entails:

  • Cross-Genre Dialogue: Whether it is Sitar and Cello jugalbandi, Indo-Peruvian fusion, or orchestral symphony work, every performance is adapted to the specific context.
  • Creative Synergy: I work closely with event organizers to understand the vibe. Are we looking for meditative, meditative global fusion, or an energetic, rhythmic cross-cultural piece?
  • Technical Precision: Fusion work requires meticulous sound balancing. I ensure that the treble of the sitar, the bass of the cello, and the percussion are perfectly aligned for the venue, whether it is an intimate setting or a large auditorium.

Performing across borders has shown me that audiences everywhere hunger for a connection that transcends their own local traditions. If you want to bring that kind of global energy to your event, I am here to help plan a performance that feels both worldly and deeply personal.

Performed with major symphony orchestras worldwideApproved by the tribe
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Shubhendra Rao

Travels for performances across IndiaStarts from 2,75,000 per performance (60-90 mins)

My life has been a beautiful, musical journey guided by my Guru, Pt. Ravi Shankar. I feel so blessed to share this joy, whether I am playing solo or weaving a new sound with friends from across the globe.

Looking for a different musical experience?

You can explore other types of performances and workshops I offer here.