Paving the way for an emerging new genre of contemporary classical meets folk in its broadest form - Indo-Baroque meets alt-folk minimalism - Balladeste is a collaboration between violinist Preetha Narayanan and cellist Tara Franks. An ever evolving musical partnership and deep friendship forged over ten years, Balladeste have developed a unique way of writing, weaving in and out of each other’s voices as musicians and composers. Exploring the versatility and sound potential of just two string instruments, Balladeste create a musical narrative that is both ancient yet contemporary, devotional whilst pastoral, with original compositions that are vibrant, experimental, melodic and contemplative in quality - Songs without words with contemporary alt-folk twist. Drawing on influences as far ranging as the singular melodies of visionary Hildegard of Bingham, the modal minimalism of Arvo Pärt, harmonic palette of Purcell via the minimalism of Philip Glass, Balladeste's musical breadth is equally akin to the likes of Caroline Shaw and Liam Byrne as the Madras String quartet and Silk Road Ensemble. Since releasing their 2nd album this September 2021 - a reflective collection of new compositions taking inspiration from a set of Indian devotional songs from the Sathya Sai lineage - the duo have been invited on BBC Radio 4 Woman's Hour, Radio 3 In Tune and received high praise for their new work including a 4* Songlines review.