David Pontbriand is a rare exception to the rule.
Learning to play the sitar without benefit of a teacher is indeed a
formidable undertaking, and not recommended. But, with a singular
determination, Pontbriand set out in 1973, inspired by the great Indian
masters, to do just that.
Still almost entirely self-taught, after twenty-nine years of study, he
has developed a style that is both deeply personal, and strictly
classical, steeped in the traditional ragas of the Hindustani tradition
of North India.
Music Bio:
David is dedicated to raising awarness of the instrument, and the music
for which it was created. In addition to regular public and private
recitals, he teaches private students, and presents
lecture-demonstrations.
His recitals feature performances on both sitar and surbahar,
highlighting elements of all three major classical instrumental styles:
The ancient and austere solo form called dhrupad alap, the imaginative
and exciting khyal with tabla accompaniment, and themodern light and
restless thumri style.
"Though primarily self-taught, I have endeavored to respect, to
preserve, and to render the spirit of the traditional ragas of
Hindustani classical music. I feel that the ragas speak an universal
musical language, transcending cultural boundaries, accessible to all
who seek understanding. While clearly derived from a blend of
traditional sources, my works are largely self-styled, and do not
always, or necessarily, represent any one particular school,
or formal discipline, of sitar performance."
--
David Pontbriand
David Pontbriand's sitar is custom-made left-handed from the
shop of Hiren Roy in Calcutta, India. The late Hiren Roy is noted as
one of India's finest sitar makers and is credited with many
distinctive innovations. The surbahar comes from the lesser known, but
highly respected, shop of Radhey Shyam Sharma, In Varanasi (Benares),
India.
David is also an accomplished painter and artist.
He resides in the New England area (US) and is available for concerts
as well as lessons on sitar and surbahar. You can visit his website:
www.davidpontbriand.com
or email him at
d-ponts@msn.com
