Sitar marries cello!

A few decades ago, when legends sitarist Pandit Ravi Shankar and violinist Yehudi Menuhin brought the historical collaboration ‘East Meets West,’ little did we expect that a few years later, celebrated husband-wife duo sitarist Shubhendra Rao and cellist Saskia Rao-de Haas would go further by bringing their collaboration ‘East Marries West.’ Not only did they get married to each other but with their marriage, they also blended Hindustani and world classical music.
While Shubhendra Rao, a protégé of Pandit Ravi Shankar strums magic with his sitar, Saskia Rao-de Haas, disciple of Hari Prasad Chaurasia is a pioneer in introducing the Indian cello to north Indian classical music. The duo also composes its own music that is both avant-garde and traditional. The magical pair which has toured the world over is now all set to mesmerise Chennai with its scintillating music for the first time.
“It’s indeed a pleasure to perform here in front of a well-informed audience. Chennai is the seat of Carnatic music and though the audience here have been introduced to Hindustani music, a combination of Hindustani and western classical music will be a refreshing change for them,” begins Shubhendra Rao.
Saskia adds, “The fact that I’m going to use the only Indian cello in the world for the concert, is going to be unique. The manner in which the music will be played will be distinctive and the compositions will be based on various traditions. More than explaining them in words, I think one must experience it.”
But are the youngsters able to understand this unique combination? “Even if they do not, I’m sure that they will appreciate the combo. It’s absurd to say that one can enjoy only one particular style of music. A person who appreciates jazz may also be able to enjoy classical, hip-hop and even rock. Music is universal,” says Rao.
Chennaiites may be quite unfamiliar with the cello, but the musicians say that it will be great to introduce it to the audience. “Many instruments like the violin and mandolin were introduced to Indian classical music and the cello in one such instrument. It is versatile, soulful and brings out different moods. In western films, the cello is used to play sad tunes, just as the sarangi is used in Indian films,” expounds Saskia.
On future projects, Shubhendra says, “Saskia is working on a north Indian classical album, and together we are going to bring out an album tentatively titled Fourth World, based on the concept of an idealistic world where everything is positive.”
Follow us on Twitter for more stories