World-class talent and joyously collaborative are just a few words that spring to mind following the concert that landed at The Lyric Theatre on the 30th of November. The Indo Celtic Trio featured award-winning artists Basant Madhur (tablas), Tristan Carter (violin) and Jon Sanders (mandola). Basant and Jon returning to Granity, having toured NZ with their daughters as 'India meets Ireland'.
The virtuosos together gifted our enthralled audience an amazing East meets West music fusion concert; an exotic soundscape journey from Shimla in northern India to Dingle in West Kerry and many colourful locations in between. The three had long been involved in music and film soundtrack composition, performance and community work in both halves of the world, but this tour represented a new combination of instruments for them. Weaving together ragas and reels, Indian and Irish vocal cameos and self-penned anthems, they brought a unique and mesmerising experience to Granity.
The sheer finesse of the trio was captivating, with many attendees in awe of Basant’s speed as he expertly played the tablas. Tristan’s mastery of the violin, blending the jaunty and magical sounds from India with the haunting melodies from Celtic moors and Polska from Sweden. Meanwhile, Jon thrilled everyone with his dexterity and prowess on the mandola – from adding delightful layers to the music to incredibly impressive solo performances. He provided some beautiful vocals which swelled within the theatre hall.
Usually, such an impressive trio demonstrating their seemingly infinite skills would be a serious affair, yet The Lyric Theatre was often filled with laughter. From the simple humour of performing in an intimate environment to hilarious jokes as the result of wonderfully lived experiences, the artists revealing a human conversational quality to their instrumental collaboration.
All too soon, the trio bowed to thunderous applause and a standing ovation.
Basant, Tristan and Jon continued to entertain by sharing their experiences, knowledge and time with many in attendance who felt it too soon to depart. From conversations about their instruments and musical backgrounds to more effortlessly hilarious exchanges, the trio thrilled audience members for quite some time afterwards.
It was an absolute please to have the Indo Celtic Trio play at The Lyric Theatre and we’re thrilled that Basant and Tristan will return again with another Arts on Tour ensemble - 'Shades of Shakti' in November 2025.
