Citi NCPA Aadi Anant: Saz aur Awaz

Saz aur Awaz

Featuring Shujaat Husain Khan (sitar & vocal) 

Supported by Sapan Anjaria (tabla), Amit Choubey (tabla), Chintoo Singh Wasir (acoustic guitar) & Surendra Belbansi (dholak).

Supported by Citi

In the Indian music tradition, the instruments (saz) and the human voice (awaz) share a unique symbiotic relationship. They have mutually influenced the evolution and growth of individual musical styles.

It is significant that despite the primacy accorded to the human voice and vocal music, Indian subcontinent abounds in a variety of musical instruments. In fact, since the last quarter of the 20th century, musical instruments and instrumental music in particular, seem to have claimed a prominent position in the firmament of Hindustani music.

Amongst the Indian instruments, sitar is perhaps the most popular instrument today.  Contrary to the widespread belief, this fretted -plucked lute is not older than 300 years.  Although inspired by vocal music, the sitar repertoire is unique; veering heavily towards instrumental idioms. Nevertheless, it appears that over the years, some techniques are also developed in order to be able to simulate vocal expressions, when so desired.

The past few decades have seen the emergence of several accomplished musicians who have felt a need to relate the inherited idioms with contemporary reality. Going beyond the obvious variance, there have been attempts to extend the frontiers of their respective traditions, either by exploring new content or by collaborating with practitioners of other instruments and /genres.

Shujaat Husain Khan is one such innovative musician. An eminent sitar player, and heir to the rich legacy of six-generations of Etawah-Imadadkhani gharana, he was trained by his eminent father, sitar maestro Vilayat Khan. He has an unusual style that draws from his remarkable ability to express through voice as well as the vocalised idiom pioneered by his illustrious father. Recipient of many accolades and awards, Shujaat khan has performed widely across the world.

Shujaat Khan will present a range of musical genres from classical and light to folk and Sufi.

Box Office now open.