Irshad Khan based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, Irshad Khan is one of the foremost representatives of an illustrious musical lineage. He is the torchbearer of the younger generation of the leading school of Sitar known as the Imdadkhani Etawah gharana. Irshad Khan is internationally recognised as one of the greatest living sitar players and as the leading surbahar exponent of his generation. Irshads individual stamp in both these instruments comes from the distinctiveness of his technique. His style is followed and inspires many formative and professional sitar players of his generation. His dedication to the subtleties of the raga is in rendering its pure form of feelings and expressions. His phenomenal control of the intricate gayaki ang (vocal) and tantra ang (instrumental) styles makes Irshad Khan one of todays most dynamic musicians. Whether performing familiar works from the traditional ragas, or exploring cultures and musical forms outside the tradition, Irshad strives to play music that stimulates the imagination. His multi-faceted musical interests have taken him in exciting new directions. He is constantly searching for new ways to connect with his audience.
Having begun as a child prodigy, Irshad Khan gave his first public performance at the age of seven. His international debut was at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London when he was only 13. At 18, he made history by becoming the youngest soloist to perform at one of the most prestigious international music festivals held in London, known as the Indian All Night Concert at the Proms. Since then he has played in more than 40 nations that include music festivals and conferences throughout North America, European Union, Russia, Middle East, Far East and India.