Featured Sitar Performances and Musical Highlights
A selection of moments from my musical life, ranging from intimate home baithaks to large-scale stage productions.
There are moments in music where everything aligns, and all that is left is pure joy. This is a short rendition of Raag Vachaspati, a melody that I hope brings a little peace and happiness to your day.
A jugalbandi is a musical conversation, not a competition. This black-and-white clip captures the spirit of that exchange with my dear friend and mentor, Pratik Shrivastava on the sarod, as we explore Raag Mishra Kafi at the NCPA in Mumbai.
Some evenings are truly special. Here I am, sharing music in an informal baithak at the beautiful Delhi home of Mira Nair, a person I have long admired. These intimate gatherings, with a small audience and heartfelt conversations, are where music feels most alive.
The energy on stage with the Anirudh Varma Collective is electric. This photo captures a moment of shared joy during our performance at the India Habitat Centre, where traditional Indian classical music meets contemporary arrangements.
It was a true honor to share the stage with the esteemed Rekha Bharadwaj ji for a spiritual and soulful performance at the Hazrat Sufi Inayat Khan Dargah in Delhi. Performing alongside such a luminary is always a profound learning experience.
I was humbled and honored to be featured in The New York Times for my work in the "Monsoon Wedding" musical. Being part of this production, under the direction of the brilliant Mira Nair, was an unforgettable journey into the world of theatre.
This is a glimpse into a recent baithak concert from the Naad Yatra Baithak Series, where I presented Raag Charukeshi. The intimate setting allows for a deep connection with the audience, making the music a truly shared experience.
I am grateful to share my upcoming performance schedule. Each concert is a new chapter in my musical sadhana, and I sincerely hope to have the pleasure of your presence if I am performing in your city.
About Featured
Whether you are planning a quiet evening at home or a formal corporate recital, music needs to match the space. For intimate settings like a drawing-room baithak, I prioritize acoustic clarity to maintain that essential connection, whereas for larger stage performances, we discuss the sound reinforcement plan well in advance to ensure the tonal nuances of the sitar carry through to the audience.
My work spans many moods, from the quiet intensity of a solo raga to the collaborative energy of fusion ensembles. In a classical baithak, the focus is on a deep, meditative dialogue between the sitar and the tabla, allowing the listener to settle into the music. These sessions are perfect for smaller gatherings where the audience is close enough to appreciate the subtle 'vazan' (weight) and 'bol' (articulation) of every stroke.
For larger auditoriums or corporate events, I transition into a more structured recital format, building from the slow, introductory 'alap' to the fast, rhythmic 'jhala'. My experience extends to stage productions and fusion collaborations, such as working on the 'Monsoon Wedding' musical or performing with the Anirudh Varma Collective, where we blend traditional Hindustani roots with contemporary arrangements.
No matter the setting, I always select the raaga based on the time of day and the specific vibe of the event to ensure the music feels like a natural part of the occasion rather than just an addition. If you are looking to host a musical evening, I am happy to discuss which format—be it a pure classical solo, a jugalbandi, or a fusion set—would best suit your guests.
Soumitra Thakur
Music is my sadhana, a constant practice that keeps me grounded. I live for those moments where the notes connect directly with the listener, whether that is through a complex fusion piece or the stillness of a solo raga.
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