Concert by Shubhendra Rao, Saskia Rao-de Haas, and Akram Khan

Description:

Shubhendra Rao, a skilled instrumentalist and sitarist in the Indian tradition performed with his partner Saskia Rao-de Haas on cello, with Akram Khan accompanying on the tabla.

The couple is recognized for evolving a musical language that weaves European and Indian folk skeins into the rich texture of the classical Indian musical idioms. Secured in the complex rhythmic and melodic framework of this tradition, the musicians were free to improvise, discover, and reveal the musical possibilities of a world of influences.

Rao-de Haas performed with a cello specially modified for Indian music. As it is smaller than the traditional cello, it can be played while seated on the floor. An extra higher string and ten sympathetic strings expands the instrument’s range and enriches its tonal quality.

This program was co-presented with Simon Fraser University School for the Contemporary Arts.