SPOTLIGHT

A MAESTRO RETURNS TO TORONTO

Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan (centre) with the Raag-Mala Toronto team.

By NISHANT PAREKH

As an avid collector of LPs and CDs of Hindustani (North Indian) classical music, when Raag-Mala’s Programming Director Mohamed Khaki gave away his private collection to me, I was very excited.

Among the many gems Mohamed gave me is a double album of Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan’s live performance at the 2009 Dover Lane Music Festival.

I am an early riser, listening to raag music to prepare for the day ahead, and I admit my bias towards morning raags. In my opinion, Ustad ji’s Ahir Bhairav in the album is unmatched. While a chhota khayal (shorter composition), the sublime notes of the raag and dexterity of Ustad ji’s fingers on the sitar give me goose-bumps every time I listen to it. The other gem I treasure is raag Yaman from a Raag-Mala Toronto concert in the mid-eighties.

Our relationship with the maestro goes back several decades!

Ustad Shahid Parvez’s long-standing relationship with Raag-Mala Toronto has been characterized by mutual admiration and respect. Over the years, he has not only performed for us, but has become an integral part of our journey. His performances have inspired audiences, introduced them to the profound beauty of Hindustani raag sangeet, and brought together people from all walks of life to celebrate the rich tradition of Indian classical arts.

Our core team had a wonderful dinner with Ustad ji recently where he shared unique insights about raag sangeet, and interestingly, his passion for cooking and culinary skills, which was a big surprise to me! I was amazed by the simplicity and humility of such a senior artiste – something all the upcoming artistes should try to emulate.

Ustad ji’s name is synonymous with mastery in the world of raag sangeet. Hailing from a long line of sitar players of the Etawah gharana (school of music), he is the son of the renowned Ustad Aziz Khan, and his grandfather, Ustad Wahid Khan, was a celebrated figure in the world of raag sangeet. Trained under the watchful eyes of his father and other luminaries, Shahid ji’s approach to the sitar is innovative, and yet deeply rooted in tradition.

He has performed at the most prestigious music festivals and concert halls worldwide, as well as in the revered spaces of India. Ustad ji’s uni-que sense of musicality – the ability to express emotion, convey depth, and create a narrative within the raag sets him apart.

Raag-Mala Toronto in partnership with Aga Khan Museum, is proud to announce the return of Ustad ji for an exclusive performance on March 22 at the prestigious Nanji Family Foundation Auditorium in the Museum. The maestro has won the hearts and minds of music lovers each time he has performed for us. His artistry, deep understanding of ragas, and unparalleled technical skill on the sitar make him one of the most sought-after musicians. Many at Raag-Mala still fondly remember Raag Bhimpalasi from his last concert in 2022 at the Aga Khan Museum.

Assuming cooperation from the Canadian Consulate in India in granting visas, Ustad ji will be accompanied by his son, the highly talented sitarist Shakir Khan, with Yashwant Vaishnav (another prodigious talent!) on tabla.

Raag-Mala Toronto’s commitment, in partnership with the Aga Khan Museum, to providing a platform for world-class musicians like Ustad ji makes the March 22 concert a must-see for any lover of raag sangeet. It also serves as a reminder of the rich cultural exchange between India and the global community, highlighting the power of music to connect people across borders and cultures.

Over the years, Ustad ji’s performances have become a cornerstone of Raag-Mala Toronto’s musical programming, and each appearance is a testament to the enduring power of raag sangeet in a modern world. His artistry has inspired countless students, listeners, and music lovers to appreciate the emotional richness of raags and the sitar’s beauty.

Ustad Shahid Parvez’s performance will undoubtedly be a memorable evening that will stay with audiences long after the final note has faded. It will be a celebration of Indian classical music, a tribute to the maestro’s unparalleled skill, and a testament to the enduring legacy of this beloved art form. For those lucky enough to witness this performance, it will be an experience that touches the soul and elevates the spirit.

When & where: March 22, 2025 at the Aga Khan Museum Auditorium, Toronto. Tickets: agakhanmuseum.org/whats-on.

• Nishant Parekh is a Raag-Mala Toronto Team member.