Cambridge Ragas: Resonance of Sitar, Slide Guitar, and Tabla

Presented by KalaSudha as part of Kala Festival 2026, Cambridge Ragas celebrates the richness of Hindustani classical music through two distinctive performances. The evening opens with a sitar recital by Ustad Mehboob Nadeem, whose expansive interpretation of North Indian ragas is accompanied by Australian tabla artist Dr Samuel Evans. Together, they explore the melodic and rhythmic dialogue that lies at the heart of the Hindustani tradition.

Following an interval, acclaimed musician Pt. Debasis Chakraborty presents a recital on the Indian Slide Guitar and Brij Veena, instruments renowned for their vocal-like expression and fluid tonal character. He is joined by tabla maestro Ustad Akram Khan of the Ajrada Gharana, whose rhythmic artistry brings depth and energy to the performance. Combining raga improvisation, intricate rhythmic interplay, and centuries-old musical traditions, the concert offers audiences an immersive experience of Indian classical music in a contemporary concert setting.

Performers

• Ustad Mehboob Nadeem – Sitar
• Dr Samuel Evans – Tabla
• Pt. Debasis Chakraborty – Indian Slide Guitar & Brij Veena
• Ustad Akram Khan – Tabla

Date: 20 September 2026
Time: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Venue: Cambridge Junction, Cambridge, United Kingdom