Vocal Recital By Ustad Waseem Ahmad Khan

Waseem Ahmed Khan is an exponent of the Agra Gharana, and is the sole living direct descendent of this major style that has existed in India since the 13th century. The Agra style is heavily influenced by the dhrupad gayaki (vocalisation). During the 19th century, it embraced influences of the ‘khayal,’ (literally meaning imagination), a lighter form of Persian music and underwent some changes. This amalgamation of dhrupad and khayal coupled with distinctive vocal styles lent by Khan’s forefathers have given an uncommon set of features to the Agra gharana.

From the age of six, his immersive taalim began with his maternal grandfather, Late Ata Hussain Khan (1899-1980), who used the pen name, “Ratan Piya” and is well-known for some of the most beautiful compositions of the Agra repertoire. Thus, Waseem was blessed from both his maternal and paternal sides with one of the richest repertoires of north Indian classical music.

His open throated delivery of nom-tom alap is detailed. He is known for picking up special words or sentences in a bandish (fixed composition) and improvising in the true Agra style with bol-bant, a method of expanding lyrics based on rhythm.

He is currently based in Kolkata, where he teaches his own students in the guru shishya parampara. Simultaneously, he trains students at the ITC Sangeet Research Academy as a ‘Musician Scholar’ and lends his expertise to various other scholarly projects of this institution.

Having imbibed primary lessons in music since childhood, Siddhesh has been privileged to receive guidance from his first Guru, Shri Sharad Mathkar in Goa. Later, he was placed under the tutelage of Pt. Tulsidas Borkar, one of the greatest Harmonium exponent and Guru. Siddhesh gained valuable knowledge and blossomed into one of the most sought after Harmonium Players, today.

He has been the recipient of many eminent music scholarships including accolades by the Govt. of India and many other awards to add to his long list of achievements. He is presently employed as a classical music teacher at Sharda Sangeet Vidyalaya, Mumbai.

Sanjay was born in a music-loving family and was introduced to the art of playing Tabla under Late Pt. Sabade at Pune Bharat Gayan Samaj. Later he took Taleem from the renowned Tabla player Pt. Suresh Talwalkar of Delhi-Farookabad Gharana, in a Guru Shishya Parampara. He also had the privilege of understanding the beauty of Punjab Gharana under the guidance of world-renowned Tabla maestro Ustad. Alla Rakha Khan Saheb. He is currently taking Talim from PT Yogesh Samsi.

Sanjay is the recipient of the coveted “Ahmedjaan Thirakwaa Scholarship” for Solo Performance. He has accompanied renowned artists like Smt. Vasundhara Komkali, Pt. Ulhas Kashalkar, Pt. Smt. Malini Rajurkar, Pt. Jasraj, Dr. Prabha Atre, Pt. Dinkar Kaikini, Dr. Ashwini Bhide-Deshpande , Smt. Veena Sahastrabudhe and many such great artists.

Concert Date: Saturday, June 29

Time:  5 PM to 8 PM

Venue: Cullen Hall, University of St Thomas, 4001 Mt Vernon St

Tickets: 25, Free for members.

For information: 713-922-2501