Niladri Kumaar - The Space Between the Notes

Maverick instrumentalist and composer Niladri Kumaar is among the most compelling and innovative artists in Indian classical music today. A gifted sitarist, he was an admired collaborator and longtime protegé of the late tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain--appearing multiple times with him at Cal Performances--and their special musical relationship is explored in Sumantra Ghosal's documentary film The Space Between the Notes. To honor his friend and mentor, Kumaar has created a new ensemble of Indian musicians that will perform a program combining his own original compositions with works that he and Hussain used to play together. "I remain focused on finding my distinct voice within the continuum of luminaries who have shaped Indian classical music," says the sitarist. "Thus, my creative journey continues, guided by tradition yet open to innovation."

Niladri Kumaar, sitar
Agnelo Fernandes, keyboards
Sambit Chatterjee, drums
Satyajit Talwalkar, tabla