Great Traditions with Ustad Wajahat Khan

Explore a unique fusion of Western and Indian traditions of music with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and legendary maestro of the sarod/composer, Ustad Wajahat Khan. This special streamed performance is being premiered in honour of Wajahat Khan's birthday on 11 May.

Mozart's monumental Adagio and Fugue in C minor opens the programme moving from contemplation in the Adagio to a powerful determination in the Fugue, which is mirrored by the strong emotional release and empathy of Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings.

Ustad Wajahat Khan gives an intimate performance of one of the most popular raags in Indian classical music, the beautifully intricate Raag Pilu. Internationally renowned Wajahat Khan, who comes from an unbroken oral tradition and a line of musicians spanning over 400 years, is accompanied by Sanju Sahai on tabla and Richard Williams on the drone instrument, the tanpura.

Wajahat Khan's Sarod Concerto No.3 brings both the classical traditions seamlessly together to conclude with a celebration of musical unity. Based on Raag Desh, the Concerto is made up of three movements entitled Prayers of Love, Monsoon Memories and Celebrations, and blends the deep tones of the stringed instrument with the versatility and vivacity of a chamber orchestra.#

Read more about Ustad Wajahat Khan and David Murphy below.

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‘An exhilarating experience.. Wajahat’s virtuosity on the sarod can be taken for granted. Equally impressive is his mellow, lyrical playing and its teasing wit.’
The Independent