Sitar and Cello Jugalbandi Performances
My wife Saskia and I explore the conversation between the sitar and the Indian cello, bridging Indian and Western classical traditions through our unique jugalbandi.
A moment of pure connection with my wife, Saskia Rao-de Haas, during a sitar and cello jugalbandi. Our music is a dialogue, a blend of Indian and Western traditions that speaks directly from the soul.
Thrilled to bring our special project "Song of Water" to the prestigious Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre. This concert series features our original compositions inspired by paintings from Indian and Dutch masters.
Performing with Saskia at the Rajarani Music Festival in Bhubaneswar. The backdrop of the ancient temple added a layer of history and spirituality to our sitar and cello duet.
On stage for a sitar and cello jugalbandi at the Jashn-e-Adab Cultural Kaarva'n in Delhi. Performing in an open-air amphitheater as the sun sets creates a truly special atmosphere for the music.
A clip from our opening performance at JLF Houston. Here you can see our sitar and cello duet, accompanied by the talented Subroto Bhattacharya on tabla, setting the stage for an event filled with art and culture.
Sharing the stage with Saskia for our "Song of Water" concert at the Nehru Park Tulip Festival. It is a joy to perform our Indo-Dutch compositions for the public, surrounded by nature.
A special hymn, 'Bhaja Govindam', that we were inspired to record. This piece by Adi Shankaracharya holds special memories for me, as I first recorded it with my Guru for his album in 1983.
An exciting new project where we explore haunting music by great Spanish composers. I am performing pieces by artists like Isaac Albéniz, originally for guitar, for the first time on the sitar.
A magical candlelight concert in a 12th-century monastery in Spain. Performing in such unique and atmospheric settings allows the music to take on a whole new dimension.
Taking a bow after a wonderful performance at the McKinney Performing Arts Center in Dallas. It is always a joy to share our music with such receptive and warm audiences.
About Sitar & Cello: A Musical Dialogue
Because the sitar and cello occupy different frequency ranges—mine being high-register and Saskia's providing the deep, resonant bass—we bring a dedicated sound engineer to every performance to balance the acoustics. We also have a specific seating ergonomic requirement so we can face each other during the performance, keeping that musical dialogue live and responsive throughout the show.
When Saskia and I perform together, it is not just a concert. It is a conversation. The jugalbandi format, where the Indian sitar meets the Indian Cello, allows us to push the boundaries of what these instruments can do. We are not just playing music, we are building a bridge between two distinct soundscapes.
The Musical Dialogue
My playing is deeply rooted in the Maihar Gharana tradition, passed down to me by my Guru, Pandit Ravi Shankar. When this meets the Indian Cello—an instrument Saskia developed to suit the fluid, sliding nature of raga—the result is something entirely new. We perform a mix of traditional Hindustani ragas, adapted for duet, and original compositions that explore various moods, from meditative morning ragas to lively, rhythmic evenings.
Technical Commitment
Performing a duet of this nature requires more than just instruments. It requires a shared space. We prioritize technical perfection to ensure the audience hears the intricate notes, not just the volume.
- Acoustic Balance: We always travel with a dedicated sound engineer because the frequency interplay between the treble of the sitar and the bass of the cello is delicate.
- Setup Time: We require a 90-minute sound check. This isn't just about levels; it's about making sure the stage is set for the 'jugalbandi' to breathe. We need to be able to see each other to respond instantly to the improvisation happening in the moment.
Whether we are in a 12th-century monastery in Spain or an amphitheater in Delhi, our goal is the same. We want to draw the listener into a space where the barriers between Indian and Western traditions fade away, leaving only the music.
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