"absolutely stunning" Anita Rani BBC Radio 4 Woman's Hour
“defies easy definition … very very special indeed”
Katie Derham BBC Radio 3 In Tune
"Cinematographers looking for music that can radiate suspense but at the same time is warm and intimate… then look no further" Songlines 4****
“…an extraordinary and beautiful listening experience…”
Folk Radio UK
“Dazzling musicianship and transportive melodies”
The Nest Collective
“Synchronicity takes on a new meaning when hearing Balladeste’s circle of trust, strings, and sound. Where South Indian violinist Preetha Narayanan begins, British cellist Tara Franks ends, except there isn’t a beginning or ending and we get blissfully immersed in their circular empathy” Art of Jazz - Blog
“gorgeous compositions and swooning melodies with warmth and fervor that demand attention”
The Musician (RELIC - Top pick album Spring 2018 )
Beyond Breath - New album - release 2021
A reflective collection of new compositions taking inspiration from a set of Indian devotional songs from the Sathya Sai lineage. Beyond Breath captures a stillness and contemplative quality, never undermining the attention to detail and intricacy of the instrumental songwriting. Part song, part narrative, part modal imagery, the devotional melodies weave their way through the album, fragmented, played in their entirety, re-invented and interspersed with original reflective responses.
Full Interview with Max Reinhardt on Soho Radio - Nov 12th, 2021
Testimonials:
“It has been an utter privilege to have Balladeste perform in Nest Collective events on a number of occasions. There is something very elemental about their sound, both of the earth and yet full of movement. The songs on their first album Relic feel more akin to stories, weaving their way through different textures and emotions. With only violin and cello, they are able to bring together both Folk and Classical worlds seamlessly, and I have no doubt that they will inspire and move a wide sphere of listeners with their distinct take on the Indian devotional songs”
Sam Lee (Mercury nominated folk singer, Nest Collective founder & song collector)
“There are very few artists who can combine diverse musical systems with the integrity that Balladeste are able to do. Preetha and Tara are both exceptionally talented artists, they combine an in-depth knowledge of creative practice, both individually and in collaboration. With a huge range of skills as composers, arrangers, performers, producers and improvisors, they have a very successful long-term collaboration and excellent creative synergy - a rare contemporary creative collaboration”
Jan Handrickse (Composer, Sound artist, lecturer- Guildhall School of Music & Drama )