Learn Beyond Sitar with Roopa Panesar
The brilliant Roopa Panesar levels up the sitar skills in this one hour workshop
Join us for an enriching online one hour workshop with the acclaimed sitarist Roopa Panesar, specifically designed for intermediate-level students ready to deepen their understanding of this iconic instrument. This session is ideal for those who have mastered the basics of sitar technique and are eager to explore more complex ragas, intricate ornamentations, and advanced rhythmic patterns under the guidance of an accomplished performer. Roopa will focus on refining your meend (glissando), developing sophisticated taan patterns, and enhancing your improvisational skills within the framework of Hindustani classical music.
Participants should have some foundation in fundamental sitar techniques and basic raga knowledge to fully benefit from this intermediate-level instruction. This workshop offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from Roopa Panesar and take your sitar playing to new heights of artistic expression.
Artist Bio:
Roopa Panesar is a distinguished sitarist whose performances captivate audiences with their emotive depth and technical brilliance. Trained in the rich traditions of Hindustani classical music from an early age, Roopa has studied under renowned maestros and has developed a distinctive voice that honours traditional gharana styles whilst bringing fresh interpretative nuances to classical ragas. Her concert performances span prestigious venues and festivals internationally, where she is celebrated for her sensitive exploration of melody and her ability to create profound musical conversations. As an educator, Roopa is deeply committed to preserving and sharing the intricate art of sitar playing, guiding students through the complexities of Indian classical music with patience, clarity, and infectious enthusiasm for the instrument’s expressive possibilities.
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Roopa Panesar | Full Concert: Part 2
Raags Performed: - Raag Chandrakauns - Raag Piloo Musicians : - Roopa Panesarl (sitar) - Yashwant Vaishnav (tabla) - Gunwant Kaur (tanpura) Roopa Panesar, a distinguished British sitar virtuoso, graced the Music of India Leicester series in 2022 with a mesmerising rendition of Raag Chandrakauns & Piloo. Accompanied by the adept tabla maestro Sanjay Vaishnav, Panesar's performance was a testament to her profound mastery of Hindustani classical music. Her interpretation of the Raags unfolded with emotive depth and intricate improvisations, captivating the audience and reaffirming her stature as one of the UK's leading Indian classical musicians. Panesar's musical journey, rooted in rigorous training under esteemed gurus, has led her to international acclaim, with performances that bridge traditional Indian ragas and contemporary sensibilities. Her collaboration with Vaishnav at the Darbar Festival exemplified the dynamic interplay between melody and rhythm, offering listeners an unforgettable experience of classical Indian artistry. About Raag Chandrakauns & Piloo Raag Chandrakauns and Raag Piloo are two beloved and expressive ragas from the Hindustani classical tradition, each offering a distinct emotional palette and musical character. Raag Chandrakauns is a pentatonic (audav) raga known for its deep, meditative, and mysterious mood. It omits Re (Rishabh) and Pa (Pancham), using only Sa, komal Ga, shuddh Ma, komal Dha, and Ni. Often performed late at night, Chandrakauns creates a haunting and introspective atmosphere. Its slow unfolding in the alap reveals its capacity for emotional depth, often associated with devotion, longing, and serenity. The raga is especially popular among instrumentalists due to its simple scale and profound emotive potential. Raag Piloo, by contrast, is light, romantic, and playful. It belongs to the thumri and semi-classical genres but is also explored in full classical presentations. Piloo is a mishra (mixed) raga, often incorporating notes from multiple ragas, giving it flexibility and charm. Both shuddh and komal forms of Ga, Dha, and Ni are used, allowing performers to weave intricate, expressive melodies. Piloo is often used in lighter compositions such as bhajans, ghazals, and film music, making it highly accessible and emotionally engaging.