GemArts and The Glasshouse present
Riverside Ragas: Rakesh Chaurasia and Shahbaz Hussain
Celebrated. Dazzling. Double Grammy award winner.
Double Grammy-winner Rakesh Chaurasia, nephew of legendary flute maestro Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, carries the legacy of Indian flute royalty with a thrilling style all his own. Known for mesmerizing both newcomers and connoisseurs of Indian classical music, Rakesh has captivated audiences across continents and countries—from Japan and Australia to Europe, South Africa, and the U.S. His performances at top festivals like WOMAD and collaborations with leading stars of Indian cinema have cemented his reputation as a global virtuoso. After his unforgettable performance in 2016, we’re thrilled to welcome him back to the Riverside Ragas concert series.
Shahbaz Hussain stands as one of the premier tabla virtuosos of his generation, celebrated for his electrifying performances. Known for his remarkable versatility, Shahbaz effortlessly blends classical mastery with contemporary flair, making him a dynamic force on the global stage. His solo performances and collaborations alike have dazzled audiences worldwide, earning him a reputation as a true innovator in the world of tabla.
Presented in collaboration with GemArts, The Glasshouse and Asian Arts Agency.
Need to know
Venue: Sage Two (Theatre Layout)
Price: Under 25s tickets from £11.30. Standard £22.50 Family tickets (4 people; combination of adults and children) £45
Stage Times: Announced closer to showtime.
Age: Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult.
Who's playing?
Rakesh Chaurasia
Double Grammy winner Rakesh Chaurasia captivates audiences worldwide with his emotive Indian classical flute performances. Renowned for his dexterity and unique balance of strength and serenity, his signature style combines mastery of ‘Swar’ and ‘Tala.’ A collaborator with Zakir Hussain, Rakesh blends modern influences while staying devoted to classical music too. He’s performed globally, including BBC’s live broadcast for Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee, Festival of Saint-Denis in Paris, WOMAD and more. He’s been honoured with accolades such as the Indian Music Academy Award (2007) and Nakshatra Samman (2024).
Shahbaz Hussain
Shahbaz Hussain, one of his generation’s finest tabla virtuosos, received the prestigious ‘Son of Lahore’ award from the Government of Pakistan (2008). Trained from age five by his father, Ustad Mumtaz Hussain, and legends like Ustad Allah Rakha Khan, Shahbaz’s solo and accompanying performances have earned global acclaim. He’s collaborated with luminaries like Ustad Shahid Parvez and Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia and played world-renowned venues, including the Royal Albert Hall. Passionate about teaching, Shahbaz mentors tabla students across the UK and is a driving force behind his critically acclaimed band, Indus, touring internationally.
