"It is the sitar that chose me," confides Denis when asked about his musical journey. His passion for this mystical instrument, a decisive encounter with his teacher in Paris, and a series of pivotal events have led Denis Teste, for over twenty years, toward Indian classical music.
Initially, Denis explored the sound of the sitar by incorporating it into productions across various genres; rock, jazz, electro, pop, hip-hop, metal, and ambient music. However, after more than a decade of dedicated practice, he turned to Indian classical music recitals, deepening his craft under the guidance of Pt Kushal Das, a highly respected sitarist in India. For the past two decades, his master has taught him the intricate art of ragas, blending technical precision with the emotional sensitivity essential for expressing the nuances and moods of each piece. The influence of the legendary Ravi Shankar is also evident in his musical approach.
Denis’s perseverance has led him to perform alongside renowned Indian musicians. Today, he continues to share his passion, playing the surbahar, a bass variant of the sitar, bringing its deep, resonant tones to audiences worldwide. Through his music, he seeks to transcend borders and connect with hearts across cultures.