Live Sitar Concerts and Collaborative Performances
Music truly comes alive when it is shared. Here are some moments from my live concerts, jugalbandi sessions, and collaborative performances where the sitar finds its voice alongside other artists.
The delightful experience of performing alongside the esteemed Pt. Ram Kumar Mishra Ji. This photo captures the joy and connection that happens on stage during a live classical concert.
Exploring the realm of Raag Gorakh Kalyan with the incredible Pratik Shrivastava on the Sarod. It is always a learning experience to share the stage with such a masterful musician.
It is always an honor to share the stage with phenomenal artists like Shri Ravinder Rajput, a flautist and multi-percussionist. Here we present the soulful Raag Miyan Ki Todi.
Witness the magic of Raag Jogkauns, performed live. This is the level of mastery and dedication I bring to my performances and my teaching.
When Veena artist Veena Venkatramani and I decided to switch instruments, I was captivated by the 'naad' of the Saraswati Veena. Here is my humble attempt at playing Raag Malkauns on it.
A clip from a live performance with the AVC Classical Quartet at the India Habitat Centre. The energy of a live audience is truly special.
A snippet from a recording of Raag Bageshree with the talented Mahavir Chandravat on tabla, recorded at The Pink Lotus Academia.
A moment captured during a live performance. The connection between the artist, the instrument, and the music is a sacred space.
My entire world in a single frame. A candid moment of tuning my sitar during a soundcheck before a live show.
A beautiful performance of Raag Charukesi with a talented tabla accompanist, showcasing the interactive dialogue between the two instruments.
About Live Concerts & Collaborations
When I perform in a 'baithak' setting or collaborate with fellow artists, the focus is not just on the recital—it is about the spontaneous dialogue between instruments. Whether it is a jugalbandi with a sarod or a flute, the music is shaped by the energy of the audience and the mutual respect we share on stage. These performances are where I refine my improvisation, constantly listening and responding to the tabla or co-performer to create a soundscape that can only exist in that specific moment.
The stage is my second home. When I share it with artists like Pratik Shrivastava or Ravinder Rajput, we are not just playing notes; we are having a conversation. In a jugalbandi, the beauty lies in how we push each other to explore new improvisational paths, particularly during complex Raag renditions. My performances vary from intimate baithak sessions at The Pink Lotus Academia—where the acoustic intimacy is perfect for pure classical renditions—to larger concert hall settings like the India Habitat Centre, where the energy is vastly different.
My approach to performance is grounded in 'Gayaki Ang' (singing style), where I strive to make the sitar sound like a human voice. If you are looking to host a performance, please note that I perform solo classical sets, jugalbandi, and fusion. Whether it is a formal concert or a smaller private gathering, my goal is always to present the raga authentically rather than focusing on showmanship. I believe that when the artist is grounded in the music, the audience feels it instantly.
Soumitra Thakur
I am Soumitra Thakur, and for me, the sitar is an extension of my own voice. I perform because music is a conversation that needs an audience to complete it, and I am always grateful to those who come to listen and share in that energy.
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