Kolkata-based musician Carsten Wicke is recognised as one of the world’s foremost Rudra Veena maestros. His music carries forward the ancient, nearly forgotten sound of this sacred instrument, preserving a tradition spanning thousands of years.
Born in Germany, Carsten began his musical journey by learning violin and vocal music as a child. In the 1990s, his deep interest in Indian classical music led him to study tabla under the internationally renowned maestro Pandit Anindo Chatterjee. Captivated by the spiritual depth of Dhrupad, the oldest existing form of Indian classical music, he came under the guidance of the legendary Rudra Veena master Ustad Asad Ali Khan. Belonging to a prestigious lineage of beenkars — including Sadiq Ali Khan, Musharraf Khan, and Rajab Ali Khan, Ustad Asad Ali Khan accepted Carsten as one of his few disciples, teaching him the traditional Khandarbani style of Rudra Veena.
After witnessing the unique research in music and dance at MAV, Pandit Carsten Wicke was deeply impressed and expressed his wish to contribute to the work of MAV. He noted that in the 21st century people seek proof, and appreciated the Spiritual Research Centre’s exceptional spiritual atmosphere and guidance. He also praised the seeker artists for their advanced subtle ability.
