Sitarist Baluji

Biography

Baluji is one of the great sitarists to emerge from India. He is a rare musician indeed, and along with solo sitar albums, he also has solo releases on dilruba (fretted fiddle) and Surbhar (bass sitar).

Baluji’s style has been described as “lush and utterly fresh” (Scotsman, 2007) making him an accessible artist whose performances are infused with warmth and humour that help connect audiences, new and old alike, with Indian classical music. Baluji’s special ability is to make his music more than just about incredible technique, but also about emotion and feelings while experimenting across traditions and genres.

The outstanding characteristic of Baluji’s musical career is his versatility. His ability to concentrate on sound as his primary mode of interaction with the world, due to his blindness, has enriched his musicality and his courageous attitude to life is reflected in his approach to music.

Firmly established in the Hindustani classical tradition, he has worked with and recorded with some of the greatest tabla accompanists, such as Anindo Chatterji and Ustad Fayaz Khan.

As a composer, Baluji has created new music such as ‘Portraits of the Dark’, a specially commissioned piece that uses music and drama to describe Baluji’s own life as a blind musician, Sitar-Guitar Suites and the oratorio ‘Sohini and Mahival’. He has performed and taught all over the world and has recorded many albums with a wide variety of western artists and bands such as Massive Attack, Future Sound of London, Andy Sheppard and Guy Barker.

Baluji is not only a great musician but a great ambassador for South Asian music within the UK and internationally. His warm and affectionate stage persona makes him a unique communicator.

Sitarist Baluji is perfect for: Indian events, Indian weddings, festivals, cultural events, education events, ceremonies, awards ceremonies, galas, dinners, music events, private functions