Pandit Tarun Bhattacharya is a pioneer in Indian classical music. He has revolutionized the santoor, the instrument he plays, as well as its style of play. He is the only Santoor Maestro of the famous Maihar Gharana. He has performed in some of the most awe-inspiring venues and cities around the world, including the Royal Albert Hall, Palace-de-beaux (Brussels), Theater- De-La-Viile (France), Apollo Theatre (Spain), Jubilee Auditorium (Canada), and Kremlin (Russia). His admirers include Prince Charles, George Harrison, Paolo Solaris, and many other respected figures across the globe.

In 1980, Pandit Bhattacharya demonstrated for the first time that one could ‘meend’ or glide notes at the lower octave in a hammered instrument like the santoor. This changed the art of playing the santoor forever.

Pandit Bhattacharya is also the inventor of “mankas” or fine tuners that help in the tuning of this 100-stringed instrument fast, with a long-lasting effect and a very high degree of accuracy. His innovative techniques of playing the santoor also facilitate the playing of “Krintans, Ekharatans, Boltans,” broadening the utility of the santoor in various traditional art forms. His improvisations on the shape and string arrangements have resulted in a deeper and more classical sound for the santoor.

Pandit Tarun Bhattacharya has released over 100 CDs and Cassettes. He has been the recipient of numerous felicitations, such as a pre-Grammy nomination in 1997, excellence in world music USA, and his CD “Kirwani” has been acclaimed as one of the top 10 in the world. Pt. Bhattacharya received his talim (music instructions) from his father Pt. Rabi Bhattacharya, Pt. Dulal Roy, and finally from the great Bharat Ratna Pt. Ravi Shankar. He is Rotary International’s Global Ambassador for Peace & Goodwill.

Albums