The Rao Trio: A Family's Harmony
Experience a unique musical dialogue where the Sitar, Indian Cello, and Piano blend Indian classical, Western, and Jazz traditions.
A glimpse into a recording session with my family, The Rao Trio. It is a blessing to create music with my wife Saskia on cello and our son Ishaan on piano. This is the sound of our home.
The Rao Trio in Rio. Rehearsing at the historic Villa Lobos museum, where every brick seems to resonate with music.
A selfie during our rehearsal in Rio. It's a special feeling to prepare for a concert as a family, blending sitar, cello, and piano.
A poster for The Rao Trio's performance in Rajkot, Gujarat. We were so glad to perform as a family at the wonderful Sapta Sangeeti music festival.
A proud father's moment. Recording raga-based lullabies with my son Ishaan, pieces I used to sing to him as a baby. Seeing him grow into a brilliant musician is a dream come true.
A candid shot of my son Ishaan, smiling at the piano during a concert at the Dutch Ambassador's residence. An absolutely amazing evening.
A poster for Ishaan's solo performance in the "Culture Connects" series. This was a preview of his debut album, a moment of mixed emotions and immense pride.
A lovely composition by my son Ishaan in Raga Jog, set to a complex 13-beat cycle. It is wonderful to see him explore such intricate rhythmic and melodic ideas on the piano.
Some moments from Ishaan's concert at the Pianoman Jazz Club. The Irish ambassador called him a 'genius', and his music was said to have 'restored faith in humanity'. I am a numb, proud father.
Ishaan performing evocative preludes by the Russian composer Alexander Scriabin at the NMACC. He received a spontaneous standing ovation for his beautiful musical journey.
About The Rao Trio: A Family's Harmony
Because we bring a full ensemble, the venue setup is essential to our sound. We require a performance space at least 24 feet wide to comfortably place the Sitar, Indian Cello, and an acoustic or high-end digital piano. If your venue does not have a grand piano, we can work with a high-end stage piano connected directly to your PA system.
The Rao Trio is more than just a musical performance. It is our way of sharing the music that fills our home. When I perform with my wife, Saskia, on the Indian Cello and our son, Ishaan, on the piano, the boundaries between musical genres dissolve. We blend the deep, meditative traditions of the Maihar Gharana with the structures of Western classical music and the improvisational freedom of Jazz.
Our performances are a constant dialogue. You will hear Raga-based compositions that have evolved through years of practice in our living room, now expanded into a rich, layered soundscape. We have performed at diverse stages, from intimate gatherings to prestigious venues like the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Mumbai and international festivals in Brazil.
What makes this ensemble work is the history we share. Ishaan brings his own voice, a fresh perspective that respects our classical foundation but pushes into new, modern territory. Because of the mix of instruments, we require a dedicated sound engineer to balance the frequencies of the Sitar’s treble with the Cello’s mid-tones and the Piano’s range. Whether you are hosting a formal gala or a private event, we ensure the setup is professional so that the music remains the focus.
Shubhendra Rao
Music is our home, and it is a joy to share that space with my wife Saskia and son Ishaan. Together, we bring a unique blend of Sitar, Cello, and Piano to stages across the country. It is our way of keeping our family connection and musical heritage alive for every audience.
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