Indradeep Ghosh • Chris Votek • Neelamjit Dhillon

A meeting of strings and rhythm at the confluence of Hindustani classical tradition and Western chamber sensibility.

Violinist Indradeep Ghosh leads the trio with an instrument modified to blend the tonal richness of Hindustani raga and sympathetic-string resonance, inviting deep expressive explorations of melody and tone. Cellist Chris Votek brings rare fluency in both Western classical and North Indian traditions—his work adapts the vocal-style (gayaki-ang) vocabulary of raga to the cello with striking clarity and emotional power. Tabla maestro Neelamjit Dhillon anchors the ensemble with rhythmic virtuosity, guiding the music’s unfolding shape with subtlety, depth and drive.

In this performance you’ll hear the arc of Hindustani music: slow, meditative melodic unfolding (alap), rich interplay between strings and rhythm, and moments of spirited improvisation that bring the ensemble to life. Flavors from East and West weave together—Ghosh’s evocative violin lines, Votek’s cello voice in dialog, and Dhillon’s tabla cycles creating both foundation and spark. The result is an immersive musical journey that invites listeners to engage deeply: to follow unfolding sound, shifting textures, and the seamless interaction of tradition and innovation.

Presented in our Hindustani Music Series, this evening offers a rare opportunity to experience the string-based voice of Indian classical music and its modern articulation in Los Angeles’s vibrant musical ecosystem. Whether you are newly curious about raga or seasoned in classical listening, expect an intimate, profound and resonant concert.

The Vardar Ensemble performs with special guest Miroslav Tadić. Opening sets by SLLA Mariachi and SLLA Gamelan.

Join us for an evening of contemporary and traditional Balkan music at the Moss Theater, marking the debut performance of The Vardar Ensemble and featuring special guest guitarist Miroslav Tadić. The program showcases a dynamic set of music from Southeastern Europe, with a special focus on Macedonian izvor music. Listeners will experience everything from the haunting beauty of lyrical melodies like Zajdi, zajdi to high-energy dances like Pajduško.

The Vardar Ensemble brings together Yvette Holzwarth (violin), Mikey Aboutboul (oud), and Aziz Yehia (percussion), alongside Marko Danilovski, a young master of kaval, an ancient end-blown flute known for its breathy tone and somber character.

Miroslav Tadić is a master of blending a variety of influences from Baroque to Flamenco into the deep folkloric traditions of the Balkans. Tadić is globally celebrated for his expansive body of original solo work and his iconic collaborations with Vlatko Stefanovski, Theodosii Spassov, Merima Ključo, Dušan Bogdanović, Teofilović brothers, among many others. This program will also spotlight his ongoing duo with Yvette Holzwarth, a collaboration that has taken them on frequent tours across Eastern Europe and led to their debut album Luka.

Opening Acts The evening will kick off with opening sets by the talented young musicians of SLLA Mariachi and SLLA Gamelan.

A production of Sounds Like LA (SLLA). Providing free music opportunities to young people since 2013.