As one of the foremost representatives of a musical heritage unprecedented in India, Irshad Khan is internationally recognized as one of the greatest sitar players and as the leading surbahar (bass sitar) exponent of his generation. Irshad Khan is renowned not only for his mastery of these two instruments but for his unique presentation of the different genres of Indian classical music; his dedication to the subtleties of the rag art form, ranging in feeling and expression from meditative to playful, serene to heroic, devotional to romantic, and his mastery of the intricate “gayaki-ang” (vocal) and “tantra-ang” (instrumental) styles. This all the more, makes Irshad Khan one of the most dynamic musicians of today. Whether he is performing pure classical, folk, or world beat / new age, his audiences are stunned by his breathtaking virtuosity and profound musicality. This remarkable versatility allows Irshad Khan to transcend cultural barriers and turn each performance into an unforgettable experience for audiences everywhere.

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 Proms. Since then he has played in over 30 nations, including performances in various music festivals and conferences throughout India, Europe, the Middle Ease, Russia,, the Far East, and North America. Irshad Khan is based in Toronto and Bombay. He teaches and composes music, gives lectures/demonstrations, and conducts intensive workshops and master classes at various educational institutions. He is also a commercial artist whose recordings are sold around the world.

Great Heritage

Irshad Khan is the son and disciple of Ustad Imrat Khan and nephew of Ustad Vilayat Khan, who are legends in the world of Indian Classical music 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 four hundred years, Irshad’s family has produced 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 paramount 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. Irshad is not only continuing in the family tradition, but also making his own contribution to present day Indian classical and world music.