A sublime fusion of Indian classical music and western cello


Shubhendra Rao is one of the leading instrumentalists in India today. A disciple of sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar, he has been acknowledged by connoisseurs as a worthy successor to his Guru’s tradition.


Now local fans will be able to hear him in person. Rao will perform A Sublime Fusion of Indian Classical Music and Western Cello at Vancouver’s Christ Christ Cathedral on May 23 at 8 p.m.


Indian critics have been unequivocal in their praise of Rao’s skills. The Times of India, Bombay raved that ... "he casts a magical spell on his listeners...he has fully imbibed the style of his mentor and embellished his music with numerous innovative ideas."


Rao’s talent was apparent early in his life. His father, N. R. Rama Rao, a noted disciple of Pandit Ravi Shankar, initiated the boy into the intricacies of the sitar and from the outset the lad received guidance on the instrument from the maestro himself.


At age of 18, Rao moved to Delhi to live with and learn from his Guru in the true Guru-Shishya tradition.


His partner, Saskia Rao De-Hass, is an accomplished cellist who is celebrated for her own skills. She has been able to merge western classical music and methods with Indian classical forms and has uniquely managed to adapt her cello to make it fuse intimately with the stylings of the Indian sitar.


In addition to Indian classical music, her varied influences include the Jewish klezmer and the flamenco guitar.


She has also done theatre compositions with guitarist Erik Vaarzon Morel, and experiments involving European folk music and classical chamber music.


Tickets purchased in advance cost $23 for adults and $18 for students. Same-day tickets cost $26 at the door. Tickets are available at Highlife, Rufus Guitar, and Online at www.caravanbc.com. More info about the artists, visit w ww.shubhendrarao.com.


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