Taalim (Learning)
Aashish Khan was initiated into North Indian Classical Music at the age of five by his grandfather, the legendary Acharya Baba Allauddin Khan Sahib,exponent of the Senia Beenkar and Senia Rababiya Gharana founded in the 16th Century by Mian Tansen, court musician to Emperor Akbar. Also he has learned music under the guidance of his father, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, and aunt, Smt. Annapurna Devi, presently the leading exponents of the "Senia Maihar Gharana", in the Beenkar and Rababiya Anga (style) bearing the Dhrupad style of vocal music.

Aashish gave his first public performance at the age of 13, with his grandfather, on the All India Radio National Program along with Pandit Kanthe Maharaj on Tabla, in New Delhi. In that same year, 1953, he performed with his father and grandfather at the Tansen Music Conference, Calcutta. In 1961, he accompanied his father Ustad Ali Akbar Khan as a representative by the Government of India to the East West Music Encounter in Tokyo, Japan. In1967 he played a Sarode duet with his father at the Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, for an audience of over 20,000 people and gained acclaim. Since then, he has performed throughout India and the World, not only with his father but also as a soloist in his own right. Besides his virtuosity as a traditional sarodist, for which he was recognized in 1996 with the "Best Sarode Player" award from the All India Critics Association of India, he is considered to be one of the most distinguished musicians of the Seniya Beenkar and Seniya Rababiya Gharana and a music teacher throughout India and the World.

Sarode Concerto
He was the first to write a Sarode concerto in Raag form in 1972.

Ballet and Movies

He has composed music for Ballets, Movies and worked with Uday Shankar. With his fther Ustad Ali Akbar Khan and Pandit Ravi Shankar, he has worked on many musical projects for both films and stage, including Satyajit Ray’s Apur Sangsar, Parash Pathar, Jalsha Ghar, Goopi Gayen Bagaha Bayen and Sir Richard Attenborough’s film Gandhi. He has also worked with Maurice Jarre on John Houston’s film "The Man Who Would Be King", Clint Eastwood’s film "Breezy" and David Lean’s "A Passage to India", Ismile Merchant's "Mystic Massure". He has composed the music for Tapan Sinha’s films "Aadmi aur Aurat" and "Joturgriha", for which he has received the "Best Film Score Award" by the Bengal Film Journalist’s Association.

Collaboration with Western Musicians

Aashish Khan has collaborated with such diverse Western musicians as John Barham, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, Charles Lloyd, John Handy, Alice Coltrane, Charlie Hadan, David Rosenboom, Miroslav Tadic, Vinny Golia, Randy Gloss, Rachel Rudich, Alfred ladzekpo, I Nyoman Wenten, George Brooks, Emil Richards, Dallas Smith, Don Pope, Jorge Strunz, Ardeshir Farah, Tim Green and the Philadelphia String Quartet.



Composer and Conductor

In 1989/90 Aashish was appointed to the prestigious post of Composer and Conductor for the National Orchestra, Vadya Vrinda of All India Radio, New Delhi, succeeding musical stalwarts as Pandit Ravi Shankar and Pandit Pannalal Ghosh.

First to re-present Indian Classical Music to South Africa

In 1991 Aashish travelled to South Africa on a concert tour organized by the Government of India and South Africa. He was the first Indian Musician to represent India as an ambassador of Indian culture and classical music. Association of Human Values.

In the year 2003, along with performances around the world and his execution of passion as a Music Guru (teacher) he has also formed an Indo-Jazz group in New Orleans called "Shringar", to continue his contributions to "World Music" and harmony of Inter Cultural diversities.

Music Guru

A Teacher for many years and formerly on the faculties of the Ali Akbar College of Music in Calcutta, India ( 1956 to 1967)and San Rafael, California (1970), Ravi Shankar’s Kinnara School of Indian Classical Music (1968), The University of Washington, Seattle (1969-70), In 1978 Aashish and his brother Pranesh Khan founded the "Allauddin Academy of Music and Performing Arts" in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Also taught at The University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. He teaches students throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, South Africa and India while pursuing a busy career as a concert artist and composer.

At present he is a Faculty member at the CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF THE ARTS, IN VALENCIA, CALIFORNIA, Where he is teaching The North Indian Classical Vocal and Instrumental Music.

Asian Fantasy Orchestra

Aashish has also represented India in the prestigious "Asian Fantasy Orchestra" (1998) along with other Asian musicians from countries like Japan, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Phillipines, Korea and many more to contribute and share Indian music for the cause of "Inter Cultural Harmony" among Asian countries.

Music for Peace



Aashish has also performed in the "Music for Peace" Concert, Montreal, Canada (2002), a fusion of Balkan and Indian Rhythms, supported by the Art of Living Foundation and the International

Awards

In 2002 he has also received "The Fellowship Award" from The Illinois Arts Council, Chicago, USA for conserving and continuing the Indian Musical Heritage.

In 2005 Aashish Khan received the SANGEET NATAK ACADEMY from the PRESIDENT OF INDIA DR. A.P. KALAM , One of the Hihghest Award for the Classical Traditional Music of India.

2007 he has been nominated for the GRAMMY AWARD for the Traditional Classical Music of India, under the WORLD MUSIC CATEGORY.

The Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland, UK’s highest body relating to Asian studies, has elected Sarode virtuoso Aashish Khan to the fellowship of the society. The Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland, patronised by Prince Charles, was founded in 1824 to investigate subjects related to science and arts in Asia. The Past fellows of the society include Indologists Sir Aurel Stein, Sir Wilfred Thesiger, Poet Rabindranath Tagore, Historian Sir Jadunath Sircar, and Political Scientist Professor Emeritus Satyabrata Rai Chowdhuri.


Medha presents: Ustad Aashish Khan accompanied by Pranesh Khan on tabla

Ali Akbar Khan (Rare Collections)
Raga Puriya Kalyan 

ALI AKBAR- Puriya Kalyan

Lalita Gauri = Raag for Sunset 

Recorded: December 21st 2001

Taalim (Learning)
Aashish Khan was initiated into North Indian Classical Music at the age of five by his grandfather, the legendary Acharya Baba Allauddin Khan Sahib,exponent of the Senia Beenkar and Senia Rababiya Gharana founded in the 16th Century by Mian Tansen, court musician to Emperor Akbar. Also he has learned music under the guidance of his father, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, and aunt, Smt. Annapurna Devi, the leading exponents of the "Senia Maihar Gharana", 
First to blend the World Music with ' SHANTI '
Aashish Khan pioneered the establishment of cross-cultural "World Music"Genre as a founder of "SHANTI", an Indo-American Jazz-Pop Group (1969-70).
Ballet and Movies
He has composed music for Ballets, Movies and worked with Uday Shankar. HE has worked on many musical projects for both films and stage, including Satyajit Ray’s Apur Sangsar, Parash Pathar, Jalsha Ghar, Goopi Gayen Bagaha Bayen and Sir Richard Attenborough’s film Gandhi. He has also worked with Maurice Jarre on John Houston’s film "The Man Who Would Be King", Clint Eastwood’s film "Breezy" and David Lean’s "A Passage to India", Ismile Merchant's "Mystic Massure". He has composed the music for Tapan Sinha’s films "Aadmi aur Aurat" and "Joturgriha", for which he has received the "Best Film Score Award" by the Bengal Film Journalist’s Association.
Collaboration with Western Musicians
Aashish Khan has collaborated with such diverse Western musicians as John Barham, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, Charles Lloyd, John Handy, Alice Coltrane, Philadelphia String Quartet.
Composer and Conductor
In 1989/90 Aashish was appointed to the prestigious post of Composer and Conductor for the National Orchestra, Vadya Vrinda of All India Radio, New Delhi, succeeding musical stalwarts as Pandit Ravi Shankar and Pandit Pannalal Ghosh.
First to re-present Indian Classical Music to South Africa
In 1991 Aashish travelled to South Africa on a concert tour organized by the Government of India and South Africa. He was the first Indian Musician to represent India as an ambassador of Indian culture and classical music. Association of Human Values. In 2002 he has also received "The Fellowship Award" from The Illinois Arts Council, Chicago, USA for conserving and continuing the Indian Musical Heritage.
Shringar
In the year 2003, along with performances around the world and his execution of passion as a Music Guru (teacher) he has also formed an Indo-Jazz group in New Orleans called "Shringar", to continue his contributions to "World Music" and harmony of Inter Cultural diversities.
Music Guru
A Teacher for many years and formerly on the faculties of the Ali Akbar College of Music in Calcutta, India ( 1956 to 1967)and San Rafael, California (1970), Ravi Shankar’s Kinnara School of Indian Classical Music (1968), The University of Washington, Seattle (1969-70), In 1978 Aashish and his brother Pranesh Khan founded the "Allauddin Academy of Music and Performing Arts" in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Also taught at The University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. He teaches students throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, South Africa and India while pursuing a busy career as a concert artist and composer.
At present he is a Faculty member at the CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF THE ARTS, IN VALENCIA, CALIFORNIA, Where he is teaching The North Indian Music.


Ustad Aashish Khan - Lalita gauri (Alap)

Recorded: December 21st 2001

Ustad Zakir Hussain

Ustad Zakir HussainPopularly known as Tabla Maestro, Ustad Zakir Hussain is the son of the renowned tabla player Ustad Allah Rakha. He was born on 9th March, 1951 and showed much interest in tabla since a very young age. This child prodigy started touring by the time he was twelve and started to perform at concerts and gain much recognition and fame. He went to in St. Michael's High School in Mahim and did his graduation from St. Xavier's Mumbai. In his twenties, he started to tour the United States frequently and performed in not less than 150 concerts per year. Read the fascinating life history of the famous musical genius in this biography of Zakhir Hussein. 

Zakir Hussain has had the opportunity to perform with many talented musicians not just in India but also all over the world. He became a famous international phenomenon. He has composed for many English movies like Apocalypse Now, In Custody, Little Buddha, The Mystic Masseur, Heat and Dust, etc. Zakir Hussain also acted in a brilliant documentary named "The Speaking Hand: Zakir Hussain and the Art of the Indian Drum" that was released in the year 2003. But it was not released on DVD due to lack of audience response. He also composed, performed and provided his valuable advice for Vanaprastham, which was screened at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. 

Zakhir has performed with many artists and has created brilliant works of fusion. His partnership with the famous band The Beatles truly deserves a special mention. He also recorded with the American psychedelic band called "Shanti" in the year 1971. In 1975, he worked with John McLaughlin in the band "Shakti". This band had John McLaughlin, Zakir Hussain, L. Shankar, T.H. "Vikku" Vinayakram and R. Raghavan. It was disbanded by late 70's. However, the band was reunited a few years later by the name of Remember Shakti with some new members. The new band has released many albums like Saturday Night in Bombay, The Believer and 38th Montreux Jazz Festival. 

Zakhir Hussain also released his first solo album "Making Music" in the year 1987, which was proclaimed to be one of the most inspired East-West fusion albums ever. He was awarded the "Padma Shree" by the Government in the year 1988, thus making him the youngest percussionist to ever receive this award. Zakir Hussain has also received the National Heritage Fellowship (1999) which the most prestigious honor for a master in traditional arts in U.S. He has also been honored with Sangeet Natak Akademi Award by the President of India in the year 1991. He was also awarded the Grammy for the album "Planet Drum" which was produced and created by Zakir Hussain and Mickey Hart. 

Zakir Hussain married an Italian-American Kathak Dancer, Antonia Minnecola. She earlier worked as his manager for some time. Zakir Hussain has two daughters Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi. Anisa Qureshi graduated from UCLA and is trying her hand in video production and film making. The other daughter, Isabella is studying as a dance major in Manhattan. Zakhir Hussain has truly made his indelible mark in the field of music and has also acquired international acclaim. A true legend, his music shall continue to enthrall us for many more years to come.


Ustad Zakir Hussain - Unreleased Tabla Solo (Chatur)

Photo Credit- Jan and Herb Steward

Born: April 14, 1922
Death: June 19, 2009

Achievements: Popularized Indian classical music in the West; Recipient of the Asian Paints Shiromani Award.

Ustad Ali Akbar Khan was one of the most accomplished Indian classical musicians, admired all over the world for his brilliant compositions and his mastery of the sarode. Ustad Ali Akbar Khan is considered by many as the "Indian Johann Sebastian Bach."

Ali Akbar Khan was born on April 14, 1922 in East Bengal (Bangladesh). His family traces its gharana (ancestral tradition) to Mian Tansen, a 16th century musical genius and court musician of Emperor Akbar. Khan's father, the late Padma Vibhusan Acharya Dr. Allauddin Khan, was regarded as the greatest figure in North Indian music in 20th century. Khan started learning music at the age of three. He learnt vocal music from his father and drums from his uncle, Fakir Aftabuddin. He learnt how to play several other musical instruments too, but finally decided to concentrate on the sarode and vocal. 

Khan gave his first public performance in Allahabad, at the age of thirteen. In his early twenties, he made his first recording in Lucknow, for the HMV label. The next year, he became the court musician to the Maharaja of Jodhpur. He worked there for seven years and the state of Jodhpur bestowed upon him the title of Ustad. Several years later (1993), Ustad Ali Akbar Khan received the title of Hathi Saropao and Dowari Tajeem, at Jodhpur Palace's Golden Jubilee Celebration.

Khan first visited the United States in 1955, on the request of Lord Menuhin and gave a memorable concert at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. He played a major role in popularizing Indian classical music in the US. He also founded the Ali Akbar College of Music in Calcutta, India, in the year 1956. Khan began teaching music in America in 1965. Later, he founded the Ali Akbar College of Music, in Marin County, California.

Ustad Ali Akbar Khan gave music in several films. These include: "Aandhiyan" by Chetan Anand (1953), "House Holder" by Ivory/Merchant, "Khudita Pashan" (for which he won the "Best Musician of the Year" Award), "Devi" by Satyajit Ray, and "Little Buddha" by Bernardo Bertolucci. In 1997, he was chosen for the Asian Paints Shiromani Award - Hall of Fame. He was the second recipient of the award, after Satyajit Ray.

Ustad Ali Akbar Khan left for the holy abode on June 19, 2009, in San Francisco (United States Of America), after suffering from a kidney ailment for quite sometime. He was on dialysis and his condition had deteriorated in the last four months preceding his death. He breathed his last at his music centre, at the age of 88. The Sarod maestro is survived by his wife Mary and eleven children, apart from his musical legacy that includes the Ali Akbar College of Music in San Rafael, California.

Ustad ALI AKBAR KHAN - SHREE

Ali Akbar Khan - Rare Recordings

Maihar Parampara 1

Maihar Parampara 2

Maihar Parampara 3

Venue: Gwalior, Tansen Music Festival. 
Raga: Bageshri. (alap/jod/jhala) 


Ustaad Aashish Khan and Shiraz Ali Khan at Tansen Music Festival 15 , Gwalior.

#UstadAashishKhan #Live in Concert 
with #ShirazAliKhan on #Sarode, 
Himanshu Mahant on #Tabla 
and Dharmendra Katha on #Tanpura. 

Raga: Kirwani . 

Ustad Aashish Khan

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