Portland resident, David Pontbriand will be performing both traditional and original music for the sitar on Friday, June 16 at  7 p.m. at River Arts. In the world of classical sitar,  Pontbriand is a rare exception to the rule. Being almost completely self-taught, since 1973, he has developed an intuitive and emotive style that is both deeply personal, and yet classical in nature. The music of David Pontbriand emphasizes introspective and meditative qualities that are characteristic of an art form tracing its origins back more than 3000 years.

The sitar is a long-necked, 20 stringed, instrument constructed from teakwood or mahogany, with 2 gourd resonators, and 20 moveable frets. Its development has a 700 year history, but its current form has emerged over the past 150 years. The modern sitar is capable of producing an expressive and highly ornamented melody line. Its distinctive shimmering sound, rich in overtones and microtonal nuance is instantly recognizable.

David teaches private lessons in his Portland studio, and serves as instructor of sitar on the music faculty of Bates College. He is also a regular contributor to music education at University of New England.

David Pontbriand has recorded and released four CDs of original music for sitar, including one by his duo Om Rasa, with New York percussionist Shawn Russell. His compositions are mostly in the form of improvisations inspired by the Ragas, or melodic structures that have been continually re-interpreted by successive generations.

Tickets are $10. River Arts is located at 241 U.S. Route 1 in Damariscotta.