Anup was born in West Bengal and at six years old he went to a mission school in Calcutta, following the death of his father. It was here that his musical talent was recognised and encouraged by Revd Theodore Mathieson.

Father Mathieson had been involved in running an orphanage in Calcutta for over 50 years, and had established a unique musical tradition at the orphanage school. Boys were taught both Western and Indian classical music and many of them went on to enjoy successful musical careers. Father Mathieson spotted Anup's musical talent at an early age and when he was 16, with the help of Canon Eric James and many Trusts in the UK, he enabled Anup to travel to London to study with Thomas Igloi at the Royal Academy of Music and Amaryllis Fleming at the Royal College of Music. He also studied with Pierre Fournier in Geneva and Jacqueline du Pre in London. 

Towards the end of his life, Father Mathieson became concerned that after his death the musical aspect of the children's lives would come to an end. Therefore, he and Anup conceived the idea of founding a special music school for destitute children and orphans in Calcutta. The Mathieson Music School for girls and boys was launched in February 1994, following Father Mathieson's death. As the school's founder and director, Anup has devoted much of his time to fundraising and the running of the school in the priest's memory.

Anup has lived in London since 1974 and divides his time between England and India. He regularly broadcasts on BBC TV, ITV, Channel 4 and various BBC radio stations, and has performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the UK and across the world. Every year he returns to India to give master classes for the children at The Mathieson Music School and select new pupils from among the poor children of West Bengal.

John Padley, piano; Anup Kumar Biswas, cello

John Padley, Director of Music, said: ‘We were delighted to welcome Anup to our concert series at Queen Anne's. At the evening concert he gave a spellbinding performance and the pupils attending his master class were privileged to learn from such an accomplished musician and inspirational teacher.' 

The Professional Concert Series continues with performances and student workshops by percussionists, O Duo, Friday 19 February and VOCES 8, a vocal ensemble, Friday 23 April. For details of these events contact 0118 918 7303 or email jill.carter@qas.org.uk