Niladri Kumaar: The Space Between the Notes, Honoring Zakir Hussain 2026

Niladri Kumar, the sitar player and inventor of the zitar, presents a tribute to the legendary tabla maestro Zakir Hussain. This Seattle concert features Kumar's virtuosic playing, blending traditional Indian classical music with modern innovation. Attendees can expect an evening of intricate melodies and rhythmic exploration, showcasing his unique style that has earned recognition from fellow sitar maestro Purbayan Chatterjee as one of the most popular musicians of his generation. The performance highlights his deep musical connection with Hussain, with whom he has collaborated extensively.

Kumar's career spans decades of innovation. He began learning sitar at age four from his father, a disciple of Ravi Shankar, and gave his first public performance at six. He invented the zitar, a five-string electric sitar that produces rock guitar sounds, and has worked with icons like John McLaughlin and A.R. Rahman. His albums, including 'If' and 'Zitar', and film scores for movies such as 'Omkara' and 'Life in a... Metro' have brought Indian classical music to global audiences.