Violinist Indradeep Ghosh, Tabla maestro Neelamjit Dhillon, and Cellist Chris Votek (Photo – sierramadreplayhouse.org)
A trio of trailblazing musicians will present an afternoon of traditional ragas at Sierra Madre Playhouse on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 4:00 pm.
By Melanie Hooks
Featuring violinist Indradeep Ghosh, cellist Chris Votek, and tabla player Neelamjit Dhillon, the concert brings together strings and rhythm at the intersection of Hindustani classical tradition and Western chamber music sensibilities. The performance offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience the string-based voice of Indian classical music and its contemporary expression.
Ghosh’s evocative violin lines, Votek’s cello voice in dialogue, and Dhillon’s intricate tabla cycles combine to create both foundation and momentum. Rooted in a deep respect for tradition while embracing innovation, the trio’s approach expands musical horizons through the seamless interaction of established forms and modern interpretation.
The result is an immersive musical journey that invites listeners to engage with unfolding soundscapes and shifting musical textures.
Leading the ensemble, Ghosh performs on a modified violin designed to blend the tonal richness of Hindustani raga with the resonance of sympathetic strings, creating opportunities for profound melodic and tonal exploration.
Votek, one of the few cellists in the world fluent in the language of Hindustani music, adapts the vocal-style, or gayaki-ang, vocabulary of raga to the cello. His performances bring clarity and emotional depth to the instrument’s role within the tradition.
Dhillon anchors the ensemble on tabla, providing rhythmic virtuosity while shaping the music’s progression with subtlety, depth, and drive.
Tickets range from $12 to $35. For information and tickets, call (626) 355-4318 or visit sierramadreplayhouse.org.
Sierra Madre Playhouse is located at 87 West Sierra Madre Boulevard, Sierra Madre, CA 91024.
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