Zakir Hussain: “Tisra” Indian Music Trio

Tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain is proud to present TISRA (three) with two of India’s finest young musicians, Sabir Khan and Debopriya Chatterjee. This unique trio is comprised of tabla, sarangi, and bansuri (bamboo flute), a combination not often heard on the classical stage.

Sarangi and bansuri each have roots in ancient India and its mythology; both are also folk instruments. TISRA showcases the rich folk and classical traditions of the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Punjab. It is widely accepted that the musical influence of Rajasthani gypsies has been heard far beyond the borders of India, and that Uttar Pradesh incorporated the folk music forms of Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet into its music.

This colorful mix combined with Indian classical music and the rich rhythm repertoire of Punjab makes for a compelling offering that TISRA brings to audiences in the United States. Moreover, the trio intends to initiate a conversation between the sarangi, with its close resemblance to the human voice, and the bansuri, a breath instrument.

Zakir Hussain, the pre-eminent classical tabla virtuoso of our time, is appreciated as one of the world’s most esteemed and influential musicians, one whose mastery of his percussion instrument has taken it to a new level transcending cultures and national borders. Along with his legendary father and teacher, Ustad Allarakha, he has elevated the status of the tabla both in India and around the world.