See them together and they seem like any other ‘normal’, cross-cultural couple. Undergo a rapid change of opinion the moment you put them on stage with Sitar and Cello. Subhendra Rao from India and Saskia Rao-de Haas from Holland have not only married each other but have also succeeded in marrying Hindustani music with world classical music.
Shubhendra is a disciple of Pandit Ravi Shankar and plays the classical Indian sitar. Saskia Rao-de Haas on the other hand is credited with introducing the cello to north Indian classical music. She has trained under the renowned Hari Prasad Chaurasia.
When they play together the result is mesmerizing. This is a performance by both in London. It has perfect accord, resonance and harmony. Essential ingredients for creating uplifting music. And enduring relationships.
Video: RolfKillius
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Thanks for recommending this Sanjay! It’s the first time I heard sounds like that coming out of a cello. Really mesmerizing, as you wrote.
Yes! I fell in love with the music the moment I heard it.