Sylvie de Saaj lives in Marseilles. After a diploma in Indian Studies she dedicated herself to learning the Indian sitar. She studied in India with celebrated teachers over many years. Some of her studies were supported by a Romain Roland scholarship and Franco-Indian grants.
She started to give concerts in India before creating the Saaj duo in 1991 with Laurent Gherzi playing the tabla. They continued together until Gherzy’s premature death in early 2016. The duo Saaj performed in numerous festivals and concerts throughout France and internationally.
In addition to playing traditional Indian sitar music Sylvie de Saaj also works with musicians of other traditions, including accompanying troubadour songs. Particularly notable was her collaboration with the singers Martina de Peyra and Hombeline.
She has also worked with story tellers and poets, accompanying their performances.
In addition to her concerts, Sylvie de Saaj teaches regularly in music schools and conservatoires, giving master classes and lectures on Indian music and culture.
She gives private sitar tuition in Marseilles and Toulon.
Her recent concert at the Indian Embassy in Paris was very well received. Before that, she was selected by the Indian embassy and the Indian I.C.C.R. to represent France in a festival of music and dance in New Delhi, which subsequently toured through India.