Sitar Jugalbandi

Sitar—is one of the most significant and popular chordophones of Central Asia in the tradition of Indian Classical Music. Sitar maestros, educators, composers and researchers Pandit Abhishek Adhikary and Dr.Murchana Adhikary Barthakur from India have earned eminence and popularity through their meditative, virtuosic and graceful presentation of their Art.  

The Sitar Jugalbandi specializes in showcasing the harmonious interplay between two Sitar maestros, creating a mesmerizing musical dialogue that transcends boundaries.Their commitment to artistic excellence and cultural heritage makes them a distinguished name in the world of sitar performances. Specializing in the intricate and harmonious blend of sitar, the performance of the Duo along with the accompanying Tabla or Pakhawaj celebrate the rich cultural heritage and artistic excellence of Indian classical music. Every performance is a testament to the seamless blend of melody and rhythm, where two artists engage in a profound musical dialogue. They have performed more than 500 concerts and have participated in many major festivals, electronic media in India and abroad.The Jugalbandi believes in preserving and promoting the timeless beauty of our classical heritage, where two sitar maestros come together to create a symphonic dialogue that transcends the mundane.  Each performance is a journey through Ragas and Talas, different rhythmic patterns, offering listeners an immersive experience of the intricacies and depth of the music.

The Jugalbandi couple also aims at nurturing the next generation to this form of Art which carries rich heritage and tradition. Belonging to traditional music families, the Sitar couple is devoted in the development and promotion of Indian as well as music from Afghanistan. They provide master classes, workshops, and tutorials that cater to various skill levels, ensuring that everyone from beginners to advanced level can grow through their rich resources and experiences in their musical field.

Having done their Masters and doctoral in Instrumental music from Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata and Khairagarh University Chhattisgarh, India, they have spent five years rebuilding the stones and spirits of art and culture of Afghanistan through teaching music as Sitar and Sarod faculty at the Afghanistan National Institute of Music in Kabul from 2015 to 2019. They have worked as Sitar educators and are in panel of external examiners of both bachelors and masters level in many Institutes and Universities in India- Calcutta School of Music, Welham Girls’ School Dehradun, Ostad Bhagaban Sitari Memorial School, Kolkata, Chaulkhowa Sangeet Mahavidyalaya in Assam, Dibrugarh University Assam, Rabindra Bharati University Kolkata and presently working as Faculty of Sitar and Rubab at the Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIMP) which is re-established in Braga Portugal to keep alive the musical tradition, educational rights and equal gender rights of Afghans after the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan in 2021 where presently music listening and practice is completely banned.

The essence of SitarJugalbandi.com lies in its commitment to authenticity and excellence. Driven by a deep respect for this ancient art, Abhishek and Murchana’s mission is to preserve the heritage, promote, and present the beauty of Indian Classical Music through their performances and educating the pupils  who will be able to appreciate the nuances of classical Indian music. The Sitar couple believes that Music is a universal language that speaks to the soul.

The Sitar couple presently based in Portugal, Europe is inspired by the Nature, which gives them the innate inspiration to make music and spread love and peace. Let the strings of their Sitars resonate with the strings of your heart, and in this journey together, let’s create moments of pure magic.