‘Purbayan Chatterjee's The Sitar Stories’

An evening of collaboration, virtuosity, and sonic storytelling, ‘The Sitar Stories’ marks the first chapter in an evolving musical journey envisioned by acclaimed sitar maestro Purbayan Chatterjee. Celebrating the timeless resonance of Indian classical music, this series reimagines tradition through dialogues with some of the world’s most innovative contemporary musicians, bridging genres, generations, and geographies.

For its debut edition, Chatterjee curates an extraordinary global ensemble. Mark Lettieri, five-time GRAMMY Award-winning guitarist and core member of Snarky Puppy and The Fearless Flyers, brings his signature blend of funk, soul, and groove. Pandit Yogesh Samsi, one of India’s foremost tabla maestros, lends rhythmic mastery honed through decades of classical and cross-genre collaborations. Varijashree Venugopal, the GRAMMY-nominated vocalist and flautist from Bengaluru, infuses the music with her fluid voice and improvisational brilliance, blending Carnatic precision with global soundscapes.

From Chennai, Stephen Devassy adds cinematic flair and keyboard virtuosity, while Guy Bernfeld, GRAMMY-nominated bassist and producer from Los Angeles, grounds the ensemble in rich harmonic textures. Completing the line-up, Shravan Samsi, drummer and torchbearer of the Punjab Gharana’s rhythmic tradition, brings an energetic pulse that unites classical nuance with modern rhythm. Together, they weave a vibrant tapestry where classical purity meets the pulse of world music.

President of India Awardee Purbayan Chatterjee, known for collaborations with legends such as Ustad Zakir Hussain, Béla Fleck, Herbie Hancock, and Dianne Reeves, continues his lifelong mission to bring Indian music to global stages. ‘The Sitar Stories’ stands as his newest offering—a celebration of artistry, connection, and the shared language of music.