Dara Sitar

Dara Sitar is a composer, performer, music educator and music therapist. He completed a PhD in UCC, focusing on North Indian classical music, and teaches sitar and improvisation at the music department. He also works as a music therapist in the field of autism.

He performs in a number of contexts, ranging from experimental music to Indian classical sitar, which he studied over a period of many years in Kolkata and New Delhi under the guidance of Pandit Kushal Das and Sougata Roy Chowdhury. He also plays guitar in various ensembles.

Dara has extensive experience composing and performing music for contemporary dance, working with a number of choreographers and companies in both stage productions and film. Dara's live performances are also in high demand for wedding ceremonies and other private functions.

“…extraordinary musician and composer”
Patrick Brennan, Irish Examiner

“Live music composed and performed by Dara provides stunning accompaniment. Drawing on Western music, Indian Classical music, Blues & Rock styles with the occasional nod to Hendrix and Ry Cooder …the sense of interplay and communication between the dancers and the musician is exhilarating.”
Paul Clancy, Dance Europe