Introduction to Sitar with Srijanee Banerjee

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17 January 2026
3:30 pm

Learn the fundamentals of sitar with Srijanee in this online taster session

Join us for a delightful online taster session with the accomplished sitarist Srijanee Banerjee, offering beginners a wonderful introduction to the mesmerising world of the sitar.

Whether you’re completely new to this iconic instrument or simply curious about exploring Hindustani classical music, this introductory workshop welcomes all enthusiasts with no prior experience necessary.

Srijanee will guide participants through the fundamentals of sitar playing, including proper posture, basic finger techniques, and the production of essential notes, whilst introducing the beautiful concept of ragas and the sitar’s unique tonal qualities.

This taster session provides the perfect opportunity for those considering enrolling in the full beginner’s course, offering a glimpse into Srijanee’s engaging teaching approach and the rich traditions of North Indian classical music.

Don’t miss this chance to learn from a talented musician and discover whether the sitar’s evocative, resonant voice will become part of your own musical journey.

Artist Bio:

Srijanee Banerjee is a gifted sitarist whose performances beautifully blend traditional rigour with expressive sensitivity, captivating audiences with her melodic depth and technical finesse.

Trained in the classical traditions of Hindustani music from an early age, Srijanee has honed her craft under the guidance of distinguished maestros, developing a playing style that honours the intricate nuances of various gharanas whilst bringing her own artistic voice to classical compositions.

Her concert performances showcase her command of complex ragas, fluid meend work, and the ability to create contemplative musical narratives that transport listeners. As an educator, Srijanee is passionate about making the art of sitar accessible to students of all levels, approaching teaching with patience, clarity, and genuine enthusiasm for sharing the profound beauty of Indian classical music. Her dedication to both performance and pedagogy has established her as a respected figure in the world of Hindustani classical music.

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Niladri Kumar & Pandit Subhankar Banerjee | Raag Bhimpalasi

Niladri Kumar & Pandit Subhankar Banerjee | Raag Bhimpalasi

Recorded at Darbar Festival on 21 Sep 2014, at London’s Southbank Centre. Musicians: - Niladri Kumar (sitar) - Subhankar Banerjee (tabla) Raag Bhimpalasi; Thaat: Kafi; Samay: Afternoon Niladri Kumar’s virtuosic take on the afternoon Raag Bhimpalasi, running up and down his sitar’s fretboard at lightning speed at Darbar Festival 2014. Niladri Kumar is known for his expansive modern sitar style, stretching the boundaries of classical music. Trained under his father, a disciple of Ravi Shankar, he was recognised as a prodigy. He has since developed an extraordinary technical command of his instrument, complete with dextrous double stops, whispering string bends, and rapid taans [fast improvised lines]. He makes forays into film composition and is the inventor of the ‘zitar’ - a hybrid of electric guitar and sitar. Today he tours extensively with Zakir Hussain’s groups as well as a solo artist. Bhimpalasi is an afternoon raga, said to evoke sringara [attraction, romantic love]. It uses the notes of Kafi thaat, with an aroha [ascent] of nSgmPnS and an avroh [descent] of SnDPmgRS. Characteristically, Dha and Re only appear in the descending line, and tend to be approached from the notes immediately above. Ma is the vadi [king note]. It is similar in shape to the Western Dorian mode, and the closest Carnatic raga is Abheri. Subscribe to the Darbar Player to access the full, uncut performance.