Music for Rabab & Sarod

The evening begins with a performance of traditional Afghan classical and folk music based on raga forms by the eminent rabab master Daud Khan Sadozai, accompanied by the tabla maestro Sanju Sahai. Widely regarded as one of the foremost exponents of the Afghan rabab, which is considered the direct forerunner of the Indian sarod, Daud Khan brings a rare depth of expression to his instrument. The legendary Ustad Mohammed Omar first taught him. He later studied with sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, creating a bridge between Afghan and Indian musical lineages through his nuanced artistry. Now based in Germany, he continues to perform and teach internationally.

The second recital in this two-part concert offers an immersive journey through Hindustani classical ragas led by acclaimed sarod maestro Arnab Chakrabarty. A student of three leading figures of the sarod—Pandit Buddhadev Dasgupta, Dr. Kalyan Mukherjea and Ustad Irfan Muhammad Khan—Chakrabarty brings a deeply informed and highly individual voice to the stage from within the Shahjahanpur Gharana. Known for his expressive improvisation and lyrical command of the sarod, a fretless plucked lute central to Hindustani art music, he will present a traditional solo performance that includes alang (melodic elaboration) and gat compositions. He will be accompanied on tabla by Pandit Sanju Sahai of the Benares Gharana.

Often described as a storyteller of ragas, Chakrabarty’s performances unfold like cinematic narratives, rich in detail, subtle in development and alive with unexpected turns. In his hands, the sarod becomes a conduit through which ragas are not just heard but deeply experienced.