Three masters and old friends join together in a new collaboration. Kayhan Kalhor, Wu Man, and Sandeep Das are established soloists in their individual traditions. Their new trio highlights the ancient traditions of Iran, China, and India in a 21stcentury program. Three-time GRAMMY-nominee Kayhan Kalhor is an internationally acclaimed virtuoso on the kamancheh, who through his many musical collaborations has been instrumental in popularizing Persian music in the West. Recognized as the world’s premier pipa virtuoso and leading ambassador of Chinese music, Wu Man has carved out a career as a soloist, educator, and composer giving her lute-like instrument a new role in both traditional and contemporary music. A Guggenheim Fellow and GRAMMY-winning musician, Sandeep Das is one of the leading tabla virtuosos in the world today.

Please visit cornellconcertseries.com for details about the masterclasses, lectures, meet-and-greets, and other events of this residency.

“You can get lost in [Kayhan Kalhor’s] music in a wonderful way. It roams through far-flung provenances and ages…mystically tinted, mysterious sounds, which echo in the inclined listener for a long time.” – JazzThing

“Vibrant pipa master Wu Man. A one-woman force of nature.” – Gramophone Magazine

“When [Sandeep] plays the tabla, he is a creator of myths, a master communicator, and an orchestra, all in one.” – Yo-Yo Ma

This event is presented as part of Cornell’s Freedom of Expression Theme Year.

The rich musical traditions these musicans perform continue to exist under various political situations in their home countries. Both the musical content and musicians’ ability to travel freely to perform impacts their freedom of expression. As such, this concert serves to increase appreciation across the Cornell community for the history, importance, and challenges of free expression and academic freedom.