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 (bass sitar) players in the world. Dating back over four hundred years, Irshad’s ancestors had been among the best musicians and leading sitar players of India and are credited for the introduction of the ‘gayakiang’ vocal style on the sitar. His family has been essential in the evolution of the sitar into its present form as well as in the creation of the surbahar, which was invented by Irshad’s great-great grandfather Ustad Sahebdad Khan.
Having emerged as a child prodigy, Irshad Khan gave his first public performance at the age of seven. His international debut was at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London, England when he was only 13. At 18, he made history by becoming the youngest soloist to perform at one of the most prestigious international music festivals held in London, known as the Indian All Night concert at the Proms. Since then he has played in over 30 nations that include performances in various music festivals and conferences throughout India, Europe, the Middle East, Russia, the Far East, and North America.
Irshad Khan perform pure classical Indian music, folk, or worldbeat and new age.
Irshad Khan is the founder and president of Universal Academy for Musicians, based in Mississauga and Mumbai. Apart from actively performing internationally, he also conducts workshops, lectures and master classes in various educational institutions. He has many commercial recordings, which are sold worldwide.
Irshad Khan currently resides in Toronto, Canada.
Discography:
Awakenings (UAM)
Desires Talking Hearts (EMI)
Fire Grace Passion (New Dawn Productions)
Magic Of Twilight (Naxos World)
Romancing the Sitar (UAM)
Vaibhav Sitar and Surbahar (Legendary Legacy)
Imrat Khan and Sons (Edelweiss)
Surbahar and Sitar (Nimbus)
Live in Amsterdam (M A Recordings)
Infatuation Sitar Surbahar (Golden Tunes)
Irshad Khan Sitar & Surbahar (Rhythm House)
Imdad Khan to Irshad Khan (T-Series)
Transcendence (HMV-RPG/SaReGaMa)
Rich Heritage Malhar (Legendary Legacy)
Bilawal (Melodia)
Basant Bahar (UAM)
Raga Jansamohini (India Archive Music)
Jhinjhoti on Surbahar (Still)
Great Heritage Great Tradition (HMV)
Brilliance of Irshad Khan Sitar Surbahar (EMI)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
