Our Bureau
Houston, TX
Witness an inspiring confluence of tradition and creativity, where music becomes a bridge across generations, geographies, and cultures. Asia Society Texas and the Indo-American Association invite guests to an afternoon of music, featuring the internationally acclaimed cellist and composer Saskia Rao-de Haas alongside renowned sitar maestro Shubhendra Rao. This special concert transcends borders, offering a rare opportunity to experience a deeply immersive dialogue between Indian classical traditions and global musical expression.
Celebrated for inventing the Indian cello, Saskia Rao-de Haas has redefined the possibilities of her instrument, creating a sound that echoes the human voice while bridging Eastern and Western musical worlds. Haas is a disciple of Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, and her performances have been described as meditative, expansive, and transformative. Sharing the stage, Shubhendra Rao — one of the foremost disciples of Pandit Ravi Shankar — embodies the depth and discipline of the guru-shishya tradition, bringing decades of global performance experience and artistic integrity to every note. Together, their musical partnership, often presented as a jugalbandi, creates a dynamic interplay that is both technically brilliant and emotionally resonant.
This concert is a celebration of cultural connection, artistic innovation, and the universal language of music. Through their collaborative work as performers, composers, and educators, Saskia and Shubhendra expand access to classical music while honoring its rich heritage.
