Raga & Resonance: A Night of Classical Magic with Ustad Ghulam Abbas Khan

CHICAGO, IL (TIP): On the enchanting evening of May 31, 2025, the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts in Schaumburg, Illinois, transformed into a sanctuary of soul-stirring melodies, as the legendary Ustad Ghulam Abbas Khan took center stage for an unforgettable night of Hindustani classical music, Sufi, and ghazals. Organized by Khurram Syed under the esteemed banner of DK Omsheel Production and with the gracious support of Chicago community leader Mr. Iftekhar Sharif, the first overseas citizen of India, this cultural extravaganza, titled Soulful Classical, Sufi & Ghazals, brought together connoisseurs of music for a four-hour journey from 8:00 PM to midnight. The event was a testament to the timeless allure of Indian classical music, weaving together tradition, artistry, and emotional depth.

The evening was masterfully hosted by Amin Haider, whose eloquent commentary and storytelling added a profound layer to the experience. Haider’s insightful introductions, peppered with anecdotes from Ustad Ghulam Abbas Khan’s illustrious career, illuminated the maestro’s journey from a musically inclined youth to a globally revered artist. One such story captivated the audience: a young Ustad, at just 16, faced the daunting challenge of performing classical music a genre unfamiliar to him at Delhi’s Daulat Ram College. Despite his inexperience, his innate talent shone through, earning praise from none other than Pandit Debu Chaudhary, who paused the performance to personally tune the tanpura, ensuring the young artist’s brilliance was perfectly showcased. This anecdote set the tone for an evening that celebrated not just music, but the resilience and passion of a maestro whose name is synonymous with excellence.

Ustad Ghulam Abbas Khan, a scion of the Rampur-Sahaswan Gharana, delivered a performance that was nothing short of transcendent. His mastery over khayal, thumri, dadra, Sufi kalams, bhajans, and ghazals left the audience spellbound. From the intricate taans of Raga Puriya Kalyan to the emotive renditions of traditional and original bandishes, such as “More Ghar Aaja” and “Ab To Tumhi Sang Lagan Lagai,” his voice carried the weight of centuries-old traditions while infusing them with contemporary resonance. His performance was a seamless blend of technical precision and emotional depth, reflecting the legacy of his mentors. His father Padma Shri Ustad Ghulam Sadiq Khan is a renowned Hindustani Classical Vocalist and his maternal grandfather Padma Bhushan Ustad Mushtaq Husain Khan.

The evening was further enriched by the soulful performance of Chicago’s own Payel Ganguly, whose brief yet powerful presentation paid homage to the traditions that continue to inspire artists across generations. Her authentic and heartfelt rendition added a local flavor to the night, earning her resounding applause and cementing her place as a rising star in the classical music scene.

The musical ensemble was elevated by the exceptional accompaniment of Shehzad Marcus on keyboard, whose melodic flourishes provided a rich backdrop to the vocal performances. Young tabla prodigy Abhijeet Kastha demonstrated a masterful command of rhythm, weaving intricate patterns that complemented the maestro’s vocals with precision and flair. The seamless coordination between the artists created an immersive experience, transporting the audience to the heart of India’s musical heritage.

The event was graced by distinguished guests, including Nayab Hamid Ali Khan, son of the legendary Ustad Hamid Ali Khan, and community leaders such as Paul Chopra, Ramesh Punatar, Chris Veteran, and Syed Razi, alongside US and Indian Army veterans. Their presence underscored the event’s significance as a cultural milestone for Chicago’s South Asian community. Although Mr. Iftekhar Sharif, the chief guest, was unable to attend due to an unforeseen schedule change, the evening was honored by the presence of Amir Mohammed Khan, a renowned ghazal singer, as the Guest of Honor.

Ustad Ghulam Abbas Khan’s performance was not just a concert but a celebration of a legacy that spans continents. With over 15 albums to his name and performances across prestigious stages in the UK, Australia, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Thailand, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Oman, the Ustad has carried the torch of Hindustani classical music to global audiences. His contributions have earned him accolades such as the Central Fellowship Award from the Ministry of Culture, the Global Achievement Award in 2017, and the Dr. Radhakrishnan Award in 2018. Notably, his performance at the President’s House during Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s tenure remains a highlight of his illustrious career.

The event’s success was bolstered by the generous support of sponsors, including Masood Ali of Ali’s Catering, Ena Agnihotri of Radisson Hotel in Schaumburg, Urdu Institute, Aftab Baig of Monty’s Banquet, Windy City Pharmacies, South Asian Seniors, United States Disability Cricket, and Universal Seniors Association. Their contributions ensured a flawless execution, making the evening a cherished memory for all attendees.

Special thanks to Mahesh Kumar of Melody and Soul of Playback USA, whose expert sound engineering delivered pristine acoustics, amplifying every note’s brilliance.

This evening was a radiant celebration of India’s musical heritage, brought to life by the unparalleled artistry of Ustad Ghulam Abbas Khan and the vibrant contributions of Chicago’s own Payel Ganguly. Payel Ganguly’s authentic rendition in Chicago earned warm applause, complemented by Shehzad Marcus on keyboard and tabla prodigy Abhijeet Kastha. Notable guests, including Nayab Hamid Ali Khan, and Guest of Honor Amir Mohammed Khan, attended.

“Event was not only showcased the depth of Hindustani classical music but also highlighted the cultural unity and passion of Chicago’s South Asian community. Events like these remind us of the power of music to transcend borders and connect hearts, and we look forward to supporting more such cultural milestones in the future” Editor’s Note by Suresh Bodiwala, Chairman and Founder of Asian Media USA

(Photographs and Press release by Asian Media USA)