Dhrupad is a classical style of North Indian music that developed during the medieval period. It has a peaceful and meditative atmosphere, created by lingering notes in consonance with the tanpura lute. There is a prominence of overtones and subtle microtonal variations of pitch. The music progresses from slow to fast, with a final lively movement accompanied by the pakhawaj drum.

Nancy Kulkarni is a classically-trained cellist who has devoted herself to the study and performance of dhrupad music on the cello since 1982. Before pursuing dhrupad, she was Co-Principal Cellist of the Rome Festival Orchestra and Section Cellist with the Chicago Civic Orchestra and Orchestra del Maggio Musicale of Florence, Italy.

During the 1980s and 90s, Nancy spent a total of 10 years studying dhrupad in India. She is deeply grateful for the training she received from senior dhrupad vocalist Dr. Ritwik Sanyal, and the renowned veena and vocal brothers Ustad Zia Mohiuddin Dagar and Ustad Zia Fariduddin Dagar.

Since 1986, Nancy has given over 200 dhrupad recitals and lecture/demonstrations at American universities and concert halls, and in major cities in India. She was twice awarded the Senior Performing Arts Fellowship by the American Institute of Indian Studies, and was the featured artist in the film, "Through My Eyes" by Mani Kaul. Nancy’s playing has been presented several times on National Public Radio, All-India Radio, and she has released three solo CDs.

Nancy has made several modifications to her cello for Indian music. There are two extra strings that are plucked in the chikari style of the veena. Her four playing strings pass over a sloping elk-horn nut, modeled after the veena to produce a ringing tone. She has adopted the Indian posture, holding the cello while seated on a carpet. She plays without vibrato, so that subtle ornaments are clearly articulated.

Nancy currently resides in Pune, India, where she continues her dhrupad study and performance.

Raga Bageshree, 2007
release. 67 minutes.

Ragas Multani and
Bhupali, 1998
release. 69 minutes

*** CURRENTLY OUT OF STOCK ***

Ragas Bihag and
Puria Dhanashri, 1996
release, 65 minutes.