Ragamala Lights 2026: Kunal Gunjal & Vikas Yendluri (Strings of Soul)

Strings of Soul is an acoustic set that features the Indian Santoor in an expressive musical dialogue supported by the rhythmic depth of Tabla. Our performances move between Indian classical influences, contemporary improvisation, folk traditions, and original compositions, creating music that is both rooted and exploratory.The santoor is a 100 (one-hundred-string hammered instrument) from the Hindustani classical tradition whose shimmering sound has captivated audiences for generations. Through performance, storytelling, and improvisation, Strings of Soul invites audiences to experience not only the beauty of Indian classical music but also the living tradition, history, and cultural heritage that it represents.

Kunal Gunjal (Santoor), is a Global Music Award winning artiste and featured musician on Oscar winning Hollywood Film scores. A disciple of the Late Legendary Santoor Maestro Pt. Shivkumar Sharma , Kunal is taking the ancient classical and Kashmiri folk instrument, the one hundred stringed santoor, to new directions while also staying true to the centuries old raga tradition he learned within. Kunal has performed at premiere venues around the world and is the first Indian Classical Musician to perform at BIG EARS FESTIVAL in 2026 ( traditionally an American Country Music / Jazz Festival) and the National Folk Festival in 2026. He is the architect of the world's first ELECTRIC SANTOOR.

Vikas Yendluri (Tabla), is a tabla player based in Seattle, Washington, known for his deep roots in the Punjab gharana tradition of North Indian Hindustani classical music. He began his tabla training at the age of five under Sri Arshad Syed, one of the foremost tabla exponents worldwide, and also learned from the Late. Ustad Zakir Hussain, the legendary tabla maestro. Vikas has performed with some of the most distinguished musicians in Indian Classical Music, including his Guru, the Late. Ustad Zakir Hussain, Ustad. Shahid Parvez and Ustad. Amjad Ali Khan.