Hindustani Classical Vocal & Saxophone in Melbourne, 25th November 2017

Bikram Malhar (vocal) is a respected Melbourne based performer and teacher of Hindustani classical music.

Uniquely steeped in the musical lineage of two Gharanas (Gwalior and Punjab), Bikram effortlessly brings a powerful rhythmic element in his performances.

In addition to a Masters degree, 2 Sangeet Visharads (vocal and Tabla) and a further diploma in music, Bikram has been blessed by a musical heritage that includes legends of Hindustani classical music such as Pandit Vishnu Digambar Paluskar, Pandit Omkarnath Thakur and Pandit Vinayak Rao Patvardhan.

Nicolas Buff (saxophone) aims to create music spontaneously, to be in the moment, thoughtless, in meditation. But, it takes practice to be able to play freely in raag and taal.

In the 1990s, it was through Sahaja Yoga Meditation that Nicolas travelled to Nagpur to learn Indian classical music.

He was initiated into the guru-shishya parampara by Pt Prabhakar Dhakde and spent four years studying supported by an Indian Council for Cultural Relations grant.

Nicolas is a jazz graduate from the Conservatorium of Music, University of Sydney and gained a Master of Arts (Honours) from the University of Western Sydney for research into Indian classical music.

He performs at various community music events in Melbourne with Tihai3. Always seeking to learn, Nicolas is currently studying with Pandit Sugato Nag.