Art and Culture

My bid to internationalise Shatatantri Veena among next generation pays off: Santoor maestro Tarun Bhattacharya on his return from US Tour

by TRANS WORLD FEATURES | @twfindia 08 Oct 2024, 05:16 pm

Pandit Tarun Bhattacharya, one of India's most celebrated and pioneering Santoor maestros, recently returned from a landmark tour of the United States.

The iconic musician, a disciple of Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar, delivered captivating performances that furthered his mission to internationalize the Shatatantri Veena (Santoor) among the global audience, particularly the next generation.

Reflecting on his tour, Bhattacharya shared, "My efforts in internationalizing the Shatatantri Veena among the next generation are seemingly paying dividends.

"The growing interest in Indian classical music, beyond just Bollywood, is noticeable not only among the Indian diaspora but also among audiences from diverse nationalities."

The highlight of Bhattacharya’s U.S. visit was his performance at the Herrick Chapel in Los Angeles, an event organized by Los Angeles Music, founded by Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar, his mentor.

Performing at this venue held great significance for Bhattacharya, who acknowledged the profound influence of Ravi Shankar and his student, Harihar Rao, in shaping his musical journey.

"Performing at such a historic venue was not just an artistic endeavor but a deeply personal moment for me," Bhattacharya said.

Known for revolutionizing the Santoor and Indian Classical Music, Bhattacharya has spent over four decades as a cultural ambassador of India on the world stage.

His innovative techniques and global performances have made him one of the most recognized string players of Indian Classical Music internationally.

Following the footsteps of his illustrious guru, Ravi Shankar, he has captivated audiences across the globe and continues to be a torchbearer of India's rich musical heritage.

Another standout performance from his U.S. tour was the "Music Unites the World" concert at The Next Chapter (TNC) in Huntington, New York.

This unique event featured an ensemble of young and diverse musicians, combining Indian classical music with South American influences to create a cross-cultural experience.

Accompanying Bhattacharya was Urjani Dey, a rising star representing the Indian diaspora on vocals and keyboard. Her youthful energy added a contemporary touch to the classical Santoor. South American musicians further enriched the performance, blending the ethereal sounds of the harp, the soulful melodies of the clarinet, guitar, and ukulele, with Latin American rhythms.

Musicians like Sam Yanuck on clarinet, Rene Sanchez on ukulele, and Gina Marchese on harp brought a global flavor to the ensemble, enhancing the fusion of Indian and South American traditions.

The collaborative effort was more than just a concert—it was a musical celebration of diversity, creativity, and unity.

Together, the performers demonstrated how music, as a universal language, can transcend cultural boundaries, promote understanding, and foster cross-cultural exchange.

"It was an absolute joy to collaborate with such talented musicians from around the world," Bhattacharya commented. "The fusion of Indian and Latin American elements created a soundscape that resonated deeply with the audience."

With performances that spanned Los Angeles to New York, Bhattacharya's U.S. tour served as a testament to his tireless dedication to promoting Indian classical music across borders. His efforts to popularize the Shatatantri Veena among international audiences, particularly the youth, are bringing Indian music into new and exciting contexts.