Sierra Madre Playhouse to Host Trio of Hindustani Classical Musicians on June 14

Sierra Madre Playhouse will present a concert featuring violinist Indradeep Ghosh, cellist Chris Votek, and tabla player Neelamjit Dhillon on Sunday, June 14, 2026, beginning at 4:00 pm. The event is scheduled to showcase traditional ragas through a blend of Indian classical and Western chamber music sensibilities.

The program will highlight Ghosh’s modified violin, which incorporates sympathetic strings to enhance the tonal richness of Hindustani ragas. Votek, one of the few cellists worldwide trained in the vocal‑style (gayaki‑ang) tradition of Hindustani music, will adapt the raga vocabulary to the cello. Dhillon will provide rhythmic foundation and momentum on the tabla, guiding the music’s progression with subtlety and depth.

The trio’s collaboration is described as a rare opportunity for audiences to experience the string‑based voice of Indian classical music in a contemporary context. According to the concert announcement, the musicians will interact seamlessly, expanding musical horizons through the combination of established forms and modern interpretation.

Ghosh’s violin is described as a “modified violin designed to blend the tonal richness of Hindustani raga with the resonance of sympathetic strings.” Votek’s background includes training under legendary Indian violinist Dr. N Rajam and a focus on adapting the gayaki‑ang style to the cello. Dhillon’s tabla playing is noted for its virtuosity and its role in shaping the music’s unfolding shape.

Tickets for the concert range from $12 to $35. For more information or to purchase tickets, callers may dial (626) 355‑4318 or visit the venue’s website at sierramadreplayhouse.org.

The event will take place at the Sierra Madre Playhouse, located at 87 West Sierra Madre Boulevard, Sierra Madre, CA 91024.

The concert is part of a broader trend of cross‑cultural collaborations that bring together instruments and traditions from different musical worlds. By combining the violin, cello, and tabla in a chamber‑music setting, the performers aim to create an immersive musical journey that invites listeners to engage with evolving soundscapes and shifting textures.

The program’s focus on traditional ragas aligns with the continued interest in Hindustani classical music among Western audiences. The inclusion of a cello, a staple of Western chamber music, demonstrates how the instrument can be adapted to North Indian musical idioms.

The event is scheduled for a single afternoon performance, and the venue’s capacity and seating arrangements are typical of a small, intimate theater. The Sierra Madre Playhouse has previously hosted a variety of music and performing‑arts events, and this concert adds to its repertoire of culturally diverse programming.

In summary, the June 14 concert will feature three musicians who bring distinct expertise in Indian classical and Western chamber music. The performance promises a blend of traditional ragas, innovative instrument adaptations, and rhythmic precision, offering audiences a unique listening experience. Tickets are available through the venue’s phone line and website, and the event will take place at the Sierra Madre Playhouse in California.

The concert is confirmed for the stated date and time, and no changes have been reported. Attendees can expect a well‑coordinated program that showcases the musicians’ technical skill and interpretive depth within a cross‑cultural framework.