• By Mabel Pais

Sarod Maestro AMJAD ALI KHAN accompanied by his two sons, AMAAN ALI BANGASH and AYAAN ALI BANGASH will perform the ‘Sarod Trilogy’ on Friday May 30, 2025 at New York University’s Skirball Center, 566 LaGuardia Place, Manhattan. The performance starts at 8 pm. Doors open at 7 pm. This is a World Music Institute presentation.

Recognized by ‘Songlines’ magazine as “one of the 20th Century’s greatest masters of the sarod”, he has not only preserved the sarod’s legacy but has also enhanced the instrument with new dimensions by skillfully blending innovation with a deep respect for tradition. For this performance, he will be accompanied by his two sons, Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash, who carry forward the family’s extraordinary musical legacy.

When AMJAD ALI KHAN gave his first recital of Sarod at age 6, it was the beginning of yet another glorious chapter in the history of Indian classical music. Taught by his father Haafiz Ali Khan, Amjad Ali Khan was born to the illustrious Bangash lineage rooted in the Senia Bangash School of music. Today he shoulders the sixth generation of inheritance in this legendary lineage.

The world saw the Sarod being given a new and yet timeless interpretation by Amjad Ali Khan. Khan is one of the few maestros who consider his audience to be the soul of his motivation. He once said, “There is no essential difference between classical and popular music. Music is music. I want to communicate with the listener who finds Indian classical music remote.”

He is a recipient of the UNESCO Award, Padma Vibhushan (Highest Indian civilian award), Unicef’s National Ambassadorship, The Crystal Award by the World Economic Forum and Honorary Doctorates from the Universities of York in 1997, England, Delhi University in 1998, Rabindra Bharati University in 2007, Kolkata and the Vishva Bharti (Deshikottam) in Shantiniketan in 2001. He has represented India in the first World Arts Summit in Venice in 1991, received Honorary Citizenship to several US States and Cities. April 20th, 1984 was declared as Amjad Ali Khan Day in Boston, Massachusetts. In 1995, Mr. Khan awarded the Gandhi UNESCO Medal in Paris for his composition Bapukauns. In 2003,the maestro received “Commander of the Order of Arts and letters” by the French Government and the Fukuoka Cultural grand prize in Japan in 2004.

He has been a regular performer at the Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Kennedy Center, House of Commons, Theater Dela ville, Musee Guimet, ESPLANADE in Singapore, Victoria Hall in Geneva, Chicago Symphony Center, Palais beaux-arts, Mozart Hall in Frankfurt, St. James Palace and the Opera House in Australia.

In his case, the term ‘beauty of the Ragas’ acquires a special meaning as he has to his credit the distinction of having created many new Ragas. It is love for music and his belief in his music that has enabled him to interpret traditional notions of music for a new refreshing way, reiterating the challenge of innovation and yet respecting the timelessness of tradition.

Two books have been written on him: the first titled, ‘The world of Amjad Ali Khan’ by UBS Publishers in 1995 and the second, ‘Abba-God’s Greatest Gift to us’ by his sons, Amaan and Ayaan published by Roli Books-Lustre Publications in 2002. A documentary on Mr. Khan called ‘Strings for Freedom’ won the Bengal Film Journalist Association Award and was also screened at the Ankara Film Festival in 1996.

He is married to wife Suhbhalakshmi Khan, a great exponent of the Indian classical dance, Bharatnatyam. They have two sons: Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash. He is a living example of a man who practices integration of love and music in his life. Learn more at sarod.com.

Watch the trio perform – youtu.be/Dv5hdYNiPLU

AMAAN ALI BANGASH is the older son and belongs to the seventh generation in an unbroken chain of the Senia Bangash School. He was initiated by his father into the fine art of Sarod playing and gave his first public performance at age eight. Amaan’s musical style is marked by its precision in tunefulness, bold and resonant strokes, along with tradition and continuity of Indian Classical Music. Amaan’s performances have evoked creditable applause.

Today, Amaan is considered one of the finest Sarod players in the world and has obtained a very special place for himself among music enthusiasts across continents. He is an inspiration for the younger generation of musicians. He continues to enchant audiences with his virtuosity, sheer brilliance and charismatic stage presence. Learn more at amaanalibangash.com.

AYAAN ALI BANGASH represents the seventh generation of a musical lineage known as the Senia Bangash School. The younger son and disciple of the Sarod Maestro Amjad Ali Khan, Ayaan stepped into the world of music and the Sarod, at a very early age, with confidence, clarity, consistency and technical mastery all of which he learnt on his father’s knee. Ayaan gave his solo debut when he was eight years old and since then has been performing concerts in India and abroad.

He along with his older brother Amaan has assisted his illustrious father at concerts all over the world. Over the years today, Ayaan has carved out a special niche for himself in the world of music. His approach, vision and versatility make him an icon for the youth in the music industry. His contribution in making the Sarod a cross-over instrument in a variety of genres has projected him as an artist of high repute. Learn more at ayaanalibangash.com.

MASTERS OF INDIAN MUSIC

The MASTERS OF INDIAN MUSIC series of the World Music Institute presents legends from the two primary forms of Indian classical music: the Northern Indian tradition of  Hindustani classical music and the Southern Indian tradition of Carnatic Indian classical music.

World Music Institute

World Music Institute (WMI), founded in 1985 has served as one of the leading presenters of world music and dance within the United States. WMI is committed to presenting the best in traditional and contemporary music and dance from around the world; to enrich lives through the arts, promote awareness and appreciation for the world’s rich cultural traditions, and encourage cross-cultural dialogue and exchange. WMI presents at venues throughout the city and depends on both public and private funding to accomplish its mission. Learn more at worldmusicinstitute.org.

(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Education, Business, Social Issues, Health and Wellness, Spirituality, and Cuisine)