Dazzling virtuosity and innovative musical genius make Shahid Parvez Khan a giant of the sitar. He learned his craft from his father, Ustad Aziz Khan, and is a seventh-generation heir to the sitar's first family, the Etwawah Gharana.
The traditions of the Etawah Gharana have remained vital and productive in his hands as he emphasizes the unique capabilities of the sitar, introducing highly energized and rhythmically innovative instrumental play (tantrakari) into a tradition heavily reliant on the models of classical vocal music (gayaki ang).
Ustad’s global reputation as an awe-inspiring performer is complemented by another rare gift - his ability to spread his music as a dedicated and loving guru. Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan sums up his mastery of this most intricate art form with a profoundly simple philosophy: "Music is my life."
Ustad will be accompanied on the tabla by Gurdain Rayatt
With the support of Big Lottery Fund and The Queen’s Hall
Presented by Indian Arts Connection as part of the Virasat (Heritage) series of Indian Classical music concerts in Edinburgh.
Virasat: Ustad Shahid Parvez on the Sitar