Viral sensation sitarist Rishab Sharma announces 10-city classical music tour
What's the story
Rishab Rikhiram Sharma, the last disciple of late sitar legend Pandit Ravi Shankar, will soon embark on a multi-city classical music tour in India.
Titled Sitar For Mental Health, the tour will be held between April and May. It will cover 10 cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Indore, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Jaipur, and Chandigarh.
Musical blend
Sharma's unique fusion of classical and contemporary music
Sharma hopes to marry classical music with modern sensibilities on his tour.
He feels there's a cultural shift, with ancient ragas resonating with modern listeners in unique ways.
"Classical music isn't just surviving in the digital age; it's thriving," he said in a statement. "Young people are increasingly drawn to the transformative power of these age-old melodies, recognizing the emotional depth and resonance they offer, often absent in today's music."
Wellness experience
Sharma's concerts: A blend of music and wellness
Sharma's concerts for the tour are meant to be a "reimagined offering." He intends to blend the sounds of the sitar with innovative sound healing techniques, hoping to turn his shows into wellness experiences.
Each concert will be two hours long, giving audiences an immersive journey into the realm of classical music and contemporary soundscapes.
Career highlights
A glimpse into Sharma's musical journey
Sharma, who comes from a family of musical instrument makers, started playing the sitar at 10.
His family business was started by his grandfather in Lahore in 1920.
In 2022, he was invited to perform his Sitar For Mental Health set at former US President Joe Biden's annual Diwali celebrations.
He has also often performed at tribute concerts for his mentor, Pandit Ravi Shankar.
Last year, Sharma went viral with his live renditions of pieces like Chanakya and Tandavam.