Event Details

Listening Session on the Artistry of Vilayat Khan
Guided by Arvind Parikh
(approx. 150 mins)

An NCPA Presentation

This programme makes available the NCPA’s archival recordings to lovers of Hindustani classical music. We have planned a series of sessions based on rarely heard recordings of the sitar maestro, Vilayat Khan (1927–2004), which were specially recorded for our archives during 1976-79, where the maestro speaks at length about his forefathers and their style, and chronicles his own journey with ample demonstrations. Presented by Shujaat Khan, son and heir to the rich musical legacy of Vilayat Khan, the series will be inaugurated by the internationally renowned tabla maestro, Zakir Hussain. Vilayat Khan was born in Gauripur (now in Bangladesh) in a family of outstanding musicians: his grandfather Imdad Khan and father Inayat Khan were the most celebrated surbahar and sitar players of their time. A child prodigy, Vilayat Khan went on to become one of the most influential instrumentalists of the 20th century. His distinctive gayaki ang (vocalised style) made his sitar “sing”, and is probably the most widely followed sitar style today. The first session will cover his great heritage of seven generations, detailing the musical artistry of Imdad Khan (1848-1920), as narrated and demonstrated by Vilayat Khan. The sessions will be conducted and guided by Arvind Parikh who has had the privilege of training with Vilayat Khan. The close association lasting over six decades has given him an insight into the subtleties and repertoire of the Etawah Imdadkhani gharana.

Admission on a first-come-first-served basis. NCPA Members will get preferential seating till 5.20 pm.