Grachtenfestival: Artist in Residence: Arjan with Indian ragas

Trombonist Arjan Linker and tabla player Niti Ranjan Biswas perform Indian classical music during the Grachtenfestival in the theatre hall of KIT Amsterdam. They perform various ragas: musical forms linked to a mood or moment. Starting from quiet improvisations, they build up to energetic climaxes. Every concert sounds different. Indian classical music on the trombone Arjan Linker began as a classical trombonist and subsequently dedicated himself entirely to Indian music. He studies with masters from centuries-old musical families and plays an instrument rarely heard in this tradition. In doing so, he is regarded as a pioneer of the Indian trombone. Ragas: music linked to feeling and moment Together with tabla player Niti Ranjan Biswas, Arjan performs various ragas. A raga is a musical form linked to a mood, emotion, or moment of the day. Starting from quiet, free improvisations, the two musicians build the music towards rhythmic and energetic climaxes. Because improvisation is central, every concert sounds different. A bridge between musical worlds Niti Ranjan Biswas studied with prominent musicians in India and is one of the most sought-after tabla players in Europe. Together, they build a bridge between different musical traditions. This concert is part of the Artist in Residence series of the Grachtenfestival 2026. Are you interested in this concert? Check availability via the booking link and reserve your spot.