Two critically acclaimed string duos come to together from London and New York for an evening of music that crosses the realms of South Indian Classical, Chamber folk and modal improvisation.

New York based String duo Trina Basu and Arun Ramamurthy reimagine the potential of string chamber music with a unique sound both deeply intimate and cinematically expansive. Rooted in traditions of South Indian classical music, Western chamber music and jazz, the duo is uniquely positioned to create a sound that feels ancient, orchestral, and contemporary or as The New Yorker put it “free-flowing and globe-spanning.” Combined with the duo’s fluency in improvisation, there is a clear architecture to their sound that still gives space for the two violins to be delightfully indiscernible and shine individually. Their debut album, Nakshatra (SPINSTER 2023), the Sanskrit word for constellation, is a profound exploration of this dance between a collective and singular sound, bursting with energy, playfulness, and a cosmic gravitas.

“US-based violinists Trina Basu and Arun Ramamurthy have come up with one of the best albums I have heard in a long time” – Songlines Magazine

“Balladeste….defies easy definition…very very special indeed” – BBC Radio 3 – In Tune 

“Nakshatra resonates with the power of an ancient drone, revivified by fearless, contemporary spirit” – UNCUT Magazine

Balladeste is a collaboration between cellist Tara Franks and violinist Preetha Narayanan. Writing all new music collaboratively, this unique string duo interweave contemporary minimalism, Indian classical and folk to create all original compositions that are vibrant and experimental yet melodic and filmic in quality ‘songs without words with an alt-folk experimental twist’. Having released 3 acclaimed albums of all original music to date, the duo have performed live and been interview on BBC Radio 3 In Tune, Radio 4 Woman’s hour, Soho Radio and NTS.

Drawing on influences as far ranging as the singular melodies of visionary Hildegard of Bingham, the modal minimalism of Arvo Pärt, harmonic palette of Purcell via the minimalism of Philip Glass, Balladeste’s musical breadth is equally akin to the likes of Caroline Shaw and Liam Byrne as the Madras String quartet and Silk Road Ensemble.

“Absolutely stunning” – BBC Radio 4 – Anita Rani (Woman’s Hour)