Confluence of Traditions
Neelamjit and Chris share a passion for exploring the intersection of Hindustani and European Classical music, and for bringing master performers from both worlds together on stage. This exceptional vision for intercultural music making stems from a deep understanding of tradition and how it can be respectfully expanded.
Arranging in Raga Space
Bringing their hands-on insights to the table as accomplished instrumentalists, Neelamjit and Chris have arranged music for Disney, the San Francisco Symphony, Ustad Zakir Hussain, and many others. This year they orchestrated and arranged Zakir Hussain’s Triple Concerto for Tabla, Sitar, Bansuri, and full orchestra, a commission by the Symphony of India which premiered in Mumbai and toured through the UK 2023. Read more about this piece here .
In 2022 Neelamjit and Chris arranged music for Rhythm Spirits, a cross-cultural exploration of Hindustani and Western Chamber music commissioned by the San Francisco Symphony featuring master Indian Violinist Kala Ramnath.
Neelamjit Dhillon, Chris Votek, Zakir Hussain, Rakesh Churasia, and Alpesh Chauhan at the premiere of Triple Concerto in Mumbai, India
Hindustani Duo
As a performing duo, Neelamjit and Chris are devoted to keeping traditional raga alive and sharing the beautiful music of India with new audiences in the West.
“Votek’s command of the cello is impressive and the coordination with the tabla is seamless... The kind of music you wish would last longer””
In additional to traditional Hindustani Music, Neelamjit and Chris also compose and create ambient electronic music influenced by the microtonality and bliss found in raga.
NEELAMJIT DHILLON is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist and composer based in Los Angeles. Born and raised in Vancouver Canada, Neelamjit is skilled in both North Indian classical and American jazz music. His music is a reflection of his own multifaceted identity, spirituality, and vision for promoting a more equitable and just society through shared experience and collective action.
Neelamjit’s primary instruments are the tabla, saxophone, and bansuri. He has played tabla since th e age of 10 and continues to study the instrument under the tutelage of world-renowned maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain.
CHRIS VOTEK is an acclaimed cellist and producer living and breathing music in Los Angeles. A student of the legendary Indian violinist Dr. N. Rajam, he is one of the only cellists in the world performing Gaayaki-Ang, vocal style Hindustani raga. His ceaseless curiosity and devotion to musical traditions from around the world have guided him along a musical path perpetually branching out, his compositions are a conversation between the East and the West. He has collaborated with Ustad Zakir Hussain, Julia Holter, Kala Ramnath, The Silk Road Ensemble, Homayoun Shajarian, The Marias, Kamasi Washington, Father John Misty, WildUp, and many more.
