Blair Presents: An Evening with Niladri Kumaar
About
Blair School of Music welcomes internationally acclaimed sitar virtuoso Niladri Kumaar for a special evening celebrating the richness, innovation, and global reach of Indian classical music. Hailed as a visionary performer, composer, and cultural ambassador, Kumaar has redefined the possibilities of the sitar through his distinctive artistry and the creation of the Zitar, his groundbreaking electric instrument.
A longtime collaborator of the late tabla legend Zakir Hussain, Kumaar shared with him one of the most celebrated musical partnerships in contemporary Indian music. Their final recorded collaboration, Space Between the Notes, captures a remarkable live performance in Mumbai and serves as both a tribute to their artistic bond and a testament to the enduring power of improvisation and tradition.
This performance draws from that legacy while looking toward the future. Joined by an ensemble of distinguished Indian and American musicians, Kumaar presents a musical journey that honors centuries-old traditions while embracing new sonic possibilities. Through lyrical melodies, virtuosic improvisation, and deeply expressive musical dialogue, Space Between the Notes invites listeners into a world where heritage and innovation meet in profound and unforgettable ways.
⭐ Thursday, April 1, 2027, Ingram Hall, 7:30 p.m.
Purchase tickets at BlairTickets.com.
Supporting Musicians
Agnelo Fernandes, keyboards
A versatile multi-instrumentalist, arranger, and programmer, Agnelo Fernandes brings decades of experience across classical, jazz, pop, and film music. Trained in violin, trumpet, French horn, and piano, he has collaborated with many of India’s leading composers, performers, and touring artists, including Salim–Sulaiman, Pritam, Rabbi Shergill, and Niladri Kumaar. His expertise in both performance and electronic music production makes him a sought-after collaborator across musical genres.
Sambit Chatterjee, drums and percussion
One of India’s most dynamic percussionists, Sambit Chatterjee combines a foundation in tabla studies with a distinctive contemporary drumming voice. Having performed with artists ranging from Niladri Kumaar and Mohini Dey to internationally renowned rock and fusion acts, he is recognized for his versatility, technical mastery, and energetic stage presence. Chatterjee is also the co-curator of the Kolkata International Drum Festival and a leading figure in India’s modern music scene.
Satyajit Talwalkar, tabla
A leading tabla artist of his generation, Satyajit Talwalkar is the son and disciple of legendary tabla maestro Padmashree Pt. Suresh Talwalkar and vocalist Smt. Padma Talwalkar. Renowned for his expressive artistry and rhythmic sophistication, he has performed with many of India’s foremost classical musicians, including Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, Pt. Shivkumar Sharma, and Pt. Jasraj. Equally at home in classical and contemporary settings, Talwalkar brings depth, virtuosity, and a rich musical heritage to the stage.
A longtime collaborator of the late tabla legend Zakir Hussain, Kumaar shared with him one of the most celebrated musical partnerships in contemporary Indian music. Their final recorded collaboration, Space Between the Notes, captures a remarkable live performance in Mumbai and serves as both a tribute to their artistic bond and a testament to the enduring power of improvisation and tradition.
This performance draws from that legacy while looking toward the future. Joined by an ensemble of distinguished Indian and American musicians, Kumaar presents a musical journey that honors centuries-old traditions while embracing new sonic possibilities. Through lyrical melodies, virtuosic improvisation, and deeply expressive musical dialogue, Space Between the Notes invites listeners into a world where heritage and innovation meet in profound and unforgettable ways.
⭐ Thursday, April 1, 2027, Ingram Hall, 7:30 p.m.
Purchase tickets at BlairTickets.com.
Supporting Musicians
Agnelo Fernandes, keyboards
A versatile multi-instrumentalist, arranger, and programmer, Agnelo Fernandes brings decades of experience across classical, jazz, pop, and film music. Trained in violin, trumpet, French horn, and piano, he has collaborated with many of India’s leading composers, performers, and touring artists, including Salim–Sulaiman, Pritam, Rabbi Shergill, and Niladri Kumaar. His expertise in both performance and electronic music production makes him a sought-after collaborator across musical genres.
Sambit Chatterjee, drums and percussion
One of India’s most dynamic percussionists, Sambit Chatterjee combines a foundation in tabla studies with a distinctive contemporary drumming voice. Having performed with artists ranging from Niladri Kumaar and Mohini Dey to internationally renowned rock and fusion acts, he is recognized for his versatility, technical mastery, and energetic stage presence. Chatterjee is also the co-curator of the Kolkata International Drum Festival and a leading figure in India’s modern music scene.
Satyajit Talwalkar, tabla
A leading tabla artist of his generation, Satyajit Talwalkar is the son and disciple of legendary tabla maestro Padmashree Pt. Suresh Talwalkar and vocalist Smt. Padma Talwalkar. Renowned for his expressive artistry and rhythmic sophistication, he has performed with many of India’s foremost classical musicians, including Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, Pt. Shivkumar Sharma, and Pt. Jasraj. Equally at home in classical and contemporary settings, Talwalkar brings depth, virtuosity, and a rich musical heritage to the stage.
