Almost entirely self-taught, since 1973, he has developed an intuitive and emotive style that is both deeply personal and strictly classical, steeped in the traditional ragas of the Hindustani music of North India.
American Sitarist
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 often feature performances on both sitar and surbahar.
From the unique perspective of an American Sitarist, his works highlight and re-interpret elements of the major classical instrumental styles, including the ancient and austere solo form called dhrupad alap, and the exciting khyal with tabla accompaniment.
"Though primarily self-taught, I have endeavored to respect, to preserve, and to render the spirit of the traditional ragas of Hindustani classical music. 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 & Sons in Calcutta, India. The late Hiren Roy is noted as one of India's finestsitar makers and is credited with many distinctive innovations. The beautiful custom surbahar comes from the shop of Radhey Shyam Sharma, in Varanasi (Benares), India.
Copyright 2001-2007 David Pontbriand Arts
For Booking information call 207 772-0673, or email:
American Sitarist
In 2007 Pontbriand has formed a duo with multi-percussionist Shawn Russell. The duo will explore new forms and original material, presenting a new approach to accompanied performances, featuring kanjira and ghatam.
