Galen Passen

Sitar

Book Galen Passen for a groupmuse
New York, NY
@galenpassen
6 Played at 6 groupmuses!

Galen Passen

Sitar

About

Originally from upstate NY, I moved to India at age 18 in order to pursue the study of hindustani music on the sitar in the traditional "guru-shishya parampara" (guru-disciple tradition). New Delhi wound up being my home for the next 8 years. I was lucky to connect with a wonderful maestro named Gopal Krishan Shah who guided me in those years and much of that time was intensively spent studying this instrument and music.
My artistic pursuits in India also introduced me to an eclectic community of artists from all over the world and ignited many other creative outlets such as experimental composition, and playing for contemporary dance. Here in NYC, I primarily perform and study hindustani music while also working as a visual artist and bringing the sitar to other collaborative formats. I am lucky to live in this vibrant city, where my passion for Indian Classical Music can blossom in an environment of high calibre artists defined by tradition, collaboration, and experimentation.

Music

As the groupmuse platform was originally designed for western classical traditions, "repertoire" has a slightly different context for Indian classical music, namely because our music is improvisational. The compositions we do use, while deeply significant, are catalysts for said improvisations.
That being said, the maestros whose compositions and playing styles I play and reference are primarily Imdad Khan, Faiyaz Khan, Bade Gulam Ali Khan, Vilayat Khan, and Budhaditya Mukherjee.

Videos

Audio

Raga Bihag

Ensemble profiles

Upcoming groupmuses

Programs

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Past groupmuses (5)

  • Living room

    Persian and North Indian music, 201 W 115TH STR

    Tuesday, Nov 14, 2023 7:30 PM EST

    • Neighborhood: Central Park north
    • Composers: Vilayat Khan, Parissa
    • Instruments: Sitar and Kamanche
    • Price: $5 to reserve, $15+ at event

    Happened 5 months ago

  • Compass Trio in Harlem: a Night of Indian Raga and Flamenco

    Saturday, Oct 7, 2023 7:00 PM EDT

    • Neighborhood: Central Harlem
    • Instruments: Sitar, guitar, tabla
    • Price: $5 to reserve, $20+ at event

    Happened 6 months ago

  • Living room

    A night of Sitar! (with an East river view!)

    Tuesday, Sep 12, 2023 7:30 PM EDT

    • Neighborhood: Long Island City
    • Composers: Vilayat Khan, Bade Ghulam Ali Khan
    • Instruments: Sitar and Tabla
    • Price: $5 to reserve, $20+ at event

    Happened 7 months ago

  • Hindustani Classical music: Sitar and tabla in Harlem

    Thursday, May 25, 2023 7:00 PM EDT

    • Neighborhood: Central Harlem
    • Composers: Vilayat Khan, Bade Ghulam Ali Khan
    • Instruments: Sitar and Tabla
    • Price: $5 to reserve, $20+ at event

    Happened 11 months ago

  • Sitar on UWS

    Sunday, May 21, 2023 6:00 PM EDT

    • Neighborhood: Upper West Side
    • Composers: Vilayat Khan, Bade Ghulam Ali Khan
    • Instruments: Sitar
    • Price: $5 to reserve, $20+ at event

    Happened 11 months ago