David Balaban – Biography
David Balaban has been immersed in stringed instruments since the age of eight. He studied guitar for a decade at the Toronto Guitar Institute, developing a strong foundation in Blues, Rock, and Jazz. His passion for world music emerged at fifteen, sparked by Reggae, African rhythms, and the “world fusion” explorations of artists such as John McLaughlin (Shakti) and Jeff Martin (The Tea Party). Their distinctive blend of Eastern tunings and Western sensibilities opened the door to Indian classical music and ultimately led David to the sitar. After encountering the instrument for the first time, he was immediately captivated and purchased his first student sitar from a local Toronto shop.
Formal Training
David began serious sitar study in 2002 under James Hamilton in Vancouver. Hamilton trained extensively with distinguished musicians and musicologists, including Radhika Mohan Maitra and Kalyani Roy, and earned a Master’s Degree in Instrumental Music (Sitar) from Rabindra Bharati University in Calcutta in 1979.
After three years of study, Hamilton encouraged David to continue his training with world‑renowned sitarist and academic Professor Sanjoy Bandopadhyay, the Ustad Allauddin Khan Professor of Instrumental Music at Rabindra Bharati University and Director of the S.M. Tagore Center for Documentation & Research in Languishing & Obsolescent Musical Instruments. Professor Bandopadhyay is an acclaimed performer, scholar, and guru, and teacher of celebrated sitarist Kushal Das.
In 2005, David spent six months in Kolkata studying intensively with Professor Bandopadhyay and acquired a professional sitar from Hiren Roy & Sons. He continued his training online for two years, and in 2007 Professor Bandopadhyay described David as an advanced student.
In 2010, David began studying with the acclaimed Kolkata‑based sitarist Sugato Nag, a multi‑award‑winning artist known for his mastery of the Etawah and Senia‑Shahjahanpore gharanas. Sugato‑da trained under eminent musicians including Pt. Buddhadev Das Gupta, Anil Roy Chowdhury, and Pt. Radhika Mohan Maitra. Since 2011, David has made many extended study visits to Kolkata, learning sitar daily with Sugato‑da and also studying tabla. He continues to learn with Sugato‑da online and aims to visit him annually.
Performance Career
David relocated to Melbourne, Australia in 2009 and has since become a regular performer at private events, festivals, cultural celebrations, and concert venues across the city and regional Victoria. His performances include:
Guest Artist, Melbourne Hindustani Classical Music Society – Kew Court House, Kew
Sangam Music Festival – Bunjil Place, Narre Warren
Sangam Music Festival – Drum Theatre, Dandenong
Melbourne Kathak Festival – Doncaster Secondary College
Diwali State Reception – Melbourne Exhibition Centre
Celebration of India’s 76th Independence Anniversary – Melbourne Cricket Ground
Guest Artist, The Big Music Quiz (Channel 7)
Coburg Night Market – Coburg
Kingfisher Festival – CERES, Brunswick
Darebin Music Festival “Taste of India” – Darebin Arts & Entertainment Centre
Holi Festival of Colors – Darebin Intercultural Centre
Chant Fest – Rocklyn Yoga Ashram
Warburton Harmony Festival – Upper Yarra Arts Centre
Kindred Spirit Festival – Kindred Studios, Yarraville
Melbourne Tabla School Recital (Sam Evans) – The Boite, Fitzroy
Melbourne Meditation Conference – RMIT University
School of Taal Silver Jubilee Concert (Ashok Chavali) – Wyndham Cultural Centre
Sur Sanjh Australia – The Grange P–12 College, Werribee
Ayina Inc. Vasantotsava Concert – Kundrattu Kumaran Temple, Rockbank
Ashtanga Yoga Centre of Melbourne – Fitzroy
Australia India Business Council Conference – Park Hyatt Melbourne
Victorian Refugee Network Christmas Concert – Foundation House, Brunswick
Relics Exhibition (Malcolm Berry) – Collingwood Gallery
Jala Music, Theatre & Art Show – Mission to Seafarers, Docklands
Agni Music, Theatre & Art Show – Mission to Seafarers, Docklands