Alexandru Sura and Vinay Desai
Artist Talk and Demonstration
Saturday, May 16, 2026
2 pm
Nanji Family Foundation Auditorium
Member presale begins Tuesday, April 7, at 12 pm.
Public sale begins Thursday, April 9, at 12 pm.
$20 Regular • $18 Friends • $15 Students and Seniors
Duration: 60 minutes
Join Vinay Desai and Alexandru Sura for an engaging artist talk and demonstration exploring the santoor and cimbalom. Through live examples and conversation, the artists will introduce the histories, techniques, and musical frameworks that shape their respective traditions, from Hindustani classical raag to Eastern European repertoire. Audiences will gain insight into how these closely related instruments are played, how their sounds are shaped, and how each tradition approaches melody, rhythm, and improvisation.
About the Artists
Alexandru Sura
Vinay Desai
HAMMERED: International Festival of Hammered Dulcimers
Don’t miss this bold new international festival celebrating the global family of hammered dulcimers — brilliant instruments played by striking metal strings with delicate wooden mallets.
Performances
Crossing Traditions: Cimbalom and Santoor in Dialogue
Lectures & Talks
Amir Amiri and Di Zhang
Artist Talk and Demonstration
Performances
Silk Route Resonances: Santur and Yangqin Across Traditions
The Museum’s Performing Arts programming is generously supported by the Nanji Family Foundation.
Government Partners