The multi-award winning fifth generation and maverick sitar player Niladri Kumar, along with tabla player Vijay Ghate, are headed for South Africa for a two-city concert titled Raga Ecstasy.
The classical musicians will perform at the Baxter Concert Hall in Cape Town on July 29 and at the Lyric Theatre in Johannesburg the following day.
The pair are set to transport concert goers with their rippling performance, a delicate but exhilarating fusion between the worlds of classical and contemporary music. Whether as a devoted fan of Indian classical music or new to the genre, the magical nature of the improvisation is not to be missed. Kumar, who was tutored by his father at the age of 4, gained an in-depth and profound understanding of Indian classical music and has gone on to revolutionise sitar playing, making it uniquely his own.
His non-traditional use of the instrument makes his music as appealing to the youth as it is to long-term aficionados, ensuring sold out venues wherever he plays.
The sitar is a dynamic and alive instrument and in Kumar’s hands expands on tradition without losing the roots from which it springs.
It is a magical expression that has garnered him recognition from critics and fans the world over.
Ghate began his own musical journey with the tabla, a South Asian instrument similar to bongos, at the age of 3. His fascination has developed into an insatiable passion for the ancient percussion instrument. Also holding multiple awards and recognition, Ghate, regularly accompanies music maestros in India and abroad.
His most recent visit to South Africa was with Deepak Pandit in March.
He is one of the few tabla players proficient in accompanying instrumental, vocal and dance music.
Tickets are available at Computicket and Shoprite Checkers stores.