ENCHANTING JUGALBANDI | SITAR AND CELLO | PT SHUBHENDRA RAO AND SASKIA RAO- DE HAAS |

Saskia Rao-de Haas, a virtuoso cellist and composer from the Netherlands, is renowned for her pioneering adaptation of the cello to Indian classical music. She is married to Shubhendra Rao, a distinguished sitarist and protégé of Pandit Ravi Shankar. Together, they have captivated audiences worldwide with their innovative jugalbandi (duet) performances, seamlessly blending the sitar and the Indian cello.
In January 2025, the duo performed at the Swami Haridas Tansen Sangeet Nritya Mahotsava, one of India's premier classical music festivals, held at Modern School, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi. Their performance was met with acclaim, with Saskia expressing her honor at participating in the festival, which brings together artists across generations.
The Swami Haridas Tansen Sangeet Nritya Mahotsava is celebrated for showcasing the rich heritage of Indian classical music and dance, featuring performances by both established maestros and emerging talents. The jugalbandi of Shubhendra Rao and Saskia Rao-de Haas stood out for its unique fusion of the sitar and Indian cello, offering a harmonious blend that resonated deeply with the audience.
Their collaboration not only exemplifies musical excellence but also represents a confluence of cultures, with Saskia's Western classical training and Shubhendra's Indian classical mastery creating a distinctive and enchanting musical experience.
Their participation in the Swami Haridas Tansen Sangeet Nritya Mahotsava continues to enrich the festival's legacy, inspiring audiences and aspiring musicians alike.
They played raag jansammohini alaap , jod , vilamvit laya and jhala..😊
#SaskiaRaoDeHaas
#ShubhendraRao
#SitarAndCello
#Jugalbandi
#SwamiHaridasFestival
#IndianClassicalMusic
#FusionMusic
#CelloInIndia
#SitarMaestro
#SwamiHaridasMahotsava
#TansenMusicFestival
#ModernSchoolBarakhamba
#IndianMusicFusion
#CulturalHarmony
#MusicalLegends

[@Kapish.k.narayanmurthi]

So beautiful and the " real music " 🎶 ❤❤❤❤

[@Kapish.k.narayanmurthi]

The cello is genuinely a very huge instrumental as far as I know but the lady is playing a very small instrument compared to a cello . Is it a small version ?

[@GarhwalHeros]

Yes it is a small version customised for indian classical music . The bigger version is used for opera and the base instrument of similar nature is called voilla 🙏

[@Kapish.k.narayanmurthi]

@GarhwalHeros thank you!!!