A rare night where India meets Xinjiang on stage. Sitar virtuoso Dr. Murchana Adhikary Barthakur joins Shanghai-based Tabla player Mandy, and flamenco guitarists Kaysan and Turhon for an evening that bridges classical Indian ragas, world rhythms, and Silk Road soul. Expect hypnotic sitar melodies, intricate tabla beats, and fiery guitar riffs flowing seamlessly between tradition and improvisation.

An immersive performance led by Dr. Murchana Adhikary Barthakur, one of India’s leading female sitar players, alongside tabla artist Mandy, and Xinjiang-born flamenco guitarists Kaysan and Turhon. Together, they’ll present a cross-cultural journey through Indian classical music and beyond — from traditional ragas to contemporary fusion works.

Program

First Half

• Raag Yaman
• Afghan Dhun
• Root 
• The 33rd Spring

Second Half

• Raag Bhairavi
• Thumri
• Flowing Like Water
• Joram

Program subject to change based on the live performance.

Performer Profiles

Sitar | Dr. Murchana Adhikary Barthakur

Dr. Murchana Adhikary Barthakur is an accomplished sitar virtuoso from India, representing the Senia Jaipur and Lucknow-Shahjahanpur gharanas. Beginning her training at age four under her mother and mentor Smt. Nilima Barthakur, she later studied for over fifteen years with the legendary Padmabhushan Pandit Debu Chaudhuri, and also learned from Pandit Deepak Choudhury, chief disciple of Pandit Ravi Shankar.

She holds a master’s degree in music from Rabindra Bharati University (2006) and a PhD from Indira Kala Sangeet Viswavidyalaya (2018). Her performances have graced major stages in India and abroad — from Swami Haridas Sangeet Sammelan and India International Centre to Portimao Music Festival in Portugal. She has collaborated with world-renowned artists such as Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia and Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, and musicians from the U.S., Portugal, France, and Afghanistan.

Tabla | Mandy

Mandy is a Shanghai-based tabla artist trained under the internationally acclaimed Pandit Subhajyoti Guha. She specializes in North Indian classical tabla performance and solo rhythm compositions. A familiar name in Shanghai’s world music scene, she has performed for the Consulate General of India in Shanghai, at Shanghai Concert Hall, Aurora Museum, and numerous cultural institutions.

Mandy regularly conducts workshops and lectures on Indian music and rhythm at NYU Shanghai, Concordia International School, and JZ School, and has collaborated with Grammy Award winner Abhiman Kaushal. Her musical collaborations span across jazz, electronic, traditional Chinese, and world music genres — performing alongside instruments such as the sitar, handpan, cello, flute, and more. She also recorded tabla parts for one of Leah Dou’s songs.

Guitar | Kaysan

Born in Ürümqi, Kaysan is a flamenco guitarist, singer-songwriter, and producer. He began learning classical guitar at the age of 12 and studied at Xinjiang Arts University and later the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. Blending Latin, flamenco, and ethnic sounds with modern electronic influences, he released his debut album On the Silk Road in 2016, with the song “Come On” reaching the top 40 in China’s Independent Musician Contest that year.

Kaysan founded the Roman Band in 2017 and has been recognized multiple times as one of Shanghai’s Best Street Performers. He has also appeared on CCTV-15’s Folk Songs of China program.

Guitar | Turhon

Turhon is a seasoned guitarist known for his expressive flamenco, rumba, and gypsy-inspired performances. A core member of the Roman Band since 2017, he has performed at major venues such as Lincoln Jazz Center Shanghai, MAO Livehouse, and Yuyintang BlueNote. His passion for blending traditional and contemporary sounds has earned him spots in multiple major music festivals and television appearances, including CCTV-15’s Folk Songs of China.