CONCERT | Bansuri, Santoor & Tabla music from northern India

About this event

The evening’s program consists of improvised performances in various ragas, the melodic frameworks central to Hindustani classical music. The music unfolds gradually: it may begin with a meditative, slow alap (introduction), where the bansuri and santoor gently explore the raga’s mood. Over time, the tempo and intensity build, leading into rhythmic sections with tabla accompaniment, where the musicians engage in virtuosic interplay. These transitions allow the audience to experience the deep emotional and structural richness of the music: from contemplative stillness to vibrant, dynamic exchange.

Three seasoned artists come together to offer an evening dedicated to the profound tradition of North Indian classical music.

KEES VAN BOXTEL – Bansuri
Kees van Boxtel, based in Haarlem in the Netherlands, is a deeply committed bansuri (bamboo flute) player. He has studied under masters such as Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia and Pandit Alok Lahiri. Over the years, Kees has recorded numerous albums—such as Ode to Krishna—and co-founded several musical projects and organisations, including Shimayana, Paradiya, Sacred Groves, and Helende Geluiden. is musical journey is characterised by a lifelong dedication to the classical North-Indian repertoire, while also exploring cross-cultural collaborations. On stage, his bansuri brings a warm, lyrical voice to the raga, helping to shape the melodic structure with sensitivity and subtlety.

PT. SANDIP BHATTACHARYA – Santoor
Pandit Sandip Bhattacharya is a virtuoso of the santoor, a hammered-string instrument traditionally associated with Kashmir. Interestingly, while many know him also for his tabla artistry, his work on santoor is deeply rooted: he is a disciple of Pandit Tarun Bhattacharya, himself a major figure in the santoor tradition. Sandip Bhattacharya is known for balancing the heritage of two gharanas—the Maihar and the Patiala—giving his performances both intellect and emotion. Beyond solo work, he has collaborated in fusion projects and world-music ensembles, always seeking to expand the santoor’s expressive reach.

GANESH RAMNATH – Tabla
Ganesh Ramnath brings to the trio the rich rhythmic foundation of the tabla, the tabla in this concert plays a central role: it provides structure, momentum, and dynamic contrast. Its intricate rhythmic cycles (tala) and rapid improvisations underlie and support the melodic development of the bansuri and santoor. In the context of North Indian classical music, the tabla often functions as both timekeeper and co-creative force, building tension and release through rhythmic interplay.

Some examples of their music:
https://youtu.be/zXyrhu_I0rQ
https://youtu.be/t7geL-Uxu4o