Bert Cornelis

Bert Cornelis studied Indian classical music on sitar and surbahar for more than 20 years in the traditional manner with Pandit Ashok Pathak, thus representing the Pathak Gharana made famous by the work of the legendary Pt. Balaram Pathak. This style is distinguished by the synthesis of the ancient Dhrupad and the more recent Khayal styles, by innovative playing techniques and by the unique sonority of the instruments. Bert has completed with distinction his academic studies at the Prayag Samiti University for Hindustani classical music. He performs as a soloist throughout Europe, in the Middle East, the U.S. and India. He and Tunisian singer Ghalia Benali offer a unique blend of Indian and Arabic classical music and have produced a CD with the Belgian National Radio. Bert is music director of the Festa del Fuoco di Stromboli, has composed music for dance productions, and coordinates Indian classical music workshops in Belgium.