“Hypnotizing magic of Sitar By Maestro Irshad Khan”

Irshad Khan is the son and disciple of Ustad Imrat Khan, and nephew of Ustad Vilayat Khan. His family represents the most respected gharana (musical heritage), known as the Imdadkhani gharana, of sitar and surbahar players in the world. Dating back over 400 years, Irshad's ancestors were among the best musicians and leading sitar players of India, and are credited for the introduction of the “gayaki-ang” vocal style on the sitar.

His family has been paramount in the evolution of the sitar into its present form as well as in the creation of the surbahar (bass sitar), which was invented by Irshad Khan's great-great grandfather Ustad Sahebdad Khan. Their instrumental techniques and compositions are known to be iconic and are practiced and followed by Indian classical musicians worldwide. Irshad has developed and advanced the difficult and complex techniques of Sitar and Surbahar (bass sitar).

Irshad Khan is the torchbearer of the younger generation of the leading school of Sitar, known as the Imdadkhani Etawa Gharana.

His phenomenal control of the intricate "gayaki-ang"(vocal) and "tantra-ang"(instrumental) styles makes Irshad Khan one of today’s most dynamic musicians of the world.

Whether performing familiar works from the traditional ragas, or exploring cultures and musical forms outside of the Indian classical tradition, Irshad strives to play music that stimulates the imagination.

TD Mosaic Festival is pleased to invite Irshad Khan to perform his multi-faceted musical tribute as he searches for new ways to communicate with his audiences. This remarkable versatility allows Irshad Khan to transcend cultural barriers, and turn each performance into a spellbinding and unforgettable experience for audiences of Mississauga this year. He will be accompanied by Uday Ramdas on Tabla & percussions and Richard Best on Congas & Cajon drums.