SUMAN SARKAR & SOMABANTI BASU

Suman Sarkar and Somabanti Basu come together to present a mesmerizing evening of Indian classical instrumental music, blending rhythm and melody in a rich and soulful dialogue. With years of dedication to their craft, both artists bring forth the depth and beauty of their respective instruments—the Tabla and the Sarod—offering audiences a transcendent musical experience.

Suman Sarkar and Somabanti Basu create an enchanting musical dialogue, where rhythm and melody intertwine to transport audiences into the soul of Indian classical instrumental music.

Suman Sarkar – Master of Rhythm

Born into a family where music was a way of life, Suman Sarkar was introduced to the Tabla at an early age by his father, the late Sri Santosh Kumar Sarkar, a respected vocalist, composer, and music teacher. He later received intensive training under Sri Surhit Chakraborty, a disciple of Ustad Habibuddin Khan (Ajrara Gharana) and Ustad Garni Khan (Delhi Gharana).

Suman’s journey as a Tabla player began in the early 1980s when he made his debut performance in Kolkata. His relentless practice and guidance from his guru shaped him into a highly skilled percussionist. Over the years, he has accompanied some of the most celebrated musicians, including Ustad Nishat Khan, Prof. Subroto Roy Chowdhury, Dhruba Ghosh, Partha Bose, and Lakshmi Shankar.

Since his first tour in 1992, Suman has performed extensively across Europe. His artistry has been showcased on national radio and television, and he has conducted lecture demonstrations for different organisations.  As a visiting Tabla teacher at Clic Music in Brussels, he has also contributed to the global appreciation of Indian classical music.

Somabanti Basu – The Voice of the Sarod

Somabanti Basu is one of the few female Sarod players of her generation, pioneering new expressions on this instrument of Persian origin. Encouraged by her musically inclined family, she began learning the Sarod at a young age under Sri Robi Laha, a disciple of the late Pandit Radhika Mohan Maitra. She later underwent rigorous training in the revered Guru-Shishya Parampara under Ustad Ashis Khan and Smt. Amina Perera, daughter of the legendary Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, of the Maihar Gharana.

A science graduate from Calcutta University, Somabanti pursued her passion for music, earning a postgraduate degree in instrumental music with distinction from Rabindra Bharati University. She has been recognized for her exceptional talent, winning top honors at prestigious competitions such as Dover Lane, Ravi Kichlu Talent Search, and All India Radio. She was also awarded the National Scholarship by the Government of India.

Somabanti has performed at major music festivals and cultural centers across India and Europe, captivating audiences with her precision and emotional depth. As a torchbearer of the esteemed Maihar Gharana—home to legends like Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Pandit Ravi Shankar, and Pandit Nikhil Banerjee—she remains deeply rooted in tradition while embracing innovative elements in her music. Her style transcends boundaries, reflecting a modern, global approach that resonates with contemporary audiences.

With unwavering dedication to her art, Somabanti continues her journey, blending the timeless with the contemporary, inviting listeners into the meditative and powerful world of the Sarod.