Biography

Sayan Ghosh: A Maestro of Sitar and Surbahar

Sayan Ghosh is a renowned Hindustani classical musician, known for his expertise in the sitar and surbahar (bass sitar). Representing the prestigious Etawah-Imdadkhani Gharana, celebrated for its Gayaki Ang (vocative style of sitar playing), Sayan has carved a niche in the world of classical music with his modern yet authentic approach.


Early Life and Training

Hailing from a musical family in Kolkata, Sayan's initial foray into music began with vocal training in Rabindrasangeet under his mother Smt. Nilima Ghosh's guidance. This early exposure sparked his interest in the sitar, which he began studying formally at the age of 13 under Shri Ganesh Das, a disciple of Amiya Kanti Bhattacharyya and a grand disciple of Ustad Enayat Khan.

After Shri Ganesh Das’s demise in 2012, Sayan continued his training under Ustad Shahid Parvez. Inspired by legends like Ustad Vilayat Khan and Pandit Budhaditya Mukherjee, Sayan embraced the rich traditions of his gharana while evolving his unique style.


Musical Style and Innovations

Sayan is celebrated for his innovative approach to classical music. He incorporates taans and todas into traditional bandishes, composes new bandishes in rare ragas, and adapts melodies from popular thumris and songs. His mastery of the Gayaki Ang is enhanced by influences from iconic vocalists like Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Abdul Karim Khan, and Ajay Chakraborty, whose styles he translates onto the sitar with remarkable finesse.

A hallmark of his creativity is the project "Tagore on Sitar" where he merges Rabindranath Tagore’s compositions with sitar melodies. This challenging endeavor combines the lyrical beauty of Tagore’s songs with the raaga-based intricacies of sitar music. Since 2022, Sayan has been teaching this unique fusion to his students.


Performances and Collaborations

Sayan has performed at prestigious venues across India, including Kolkata, Delhi, Mysore, Chennai, Varanasi, and Agartala, as well as in international concerts and baithaks. He has successfully toured the USA three times and collaborated with eminent vocalists like Ustad Ghulam Abbas Khan (Hindustani) and Vidwan N Mysore Srinath (Carnatic).

In 2023, Sayan performed on the surbahar at the G20 Cultural Summit, Sur Vasudha, under the guidance of Sourendra-Soumyajit. His exceptional performance earned a special mention from the Government of India.


Contributions to Music Education

In 2017, Sayan founded the Sayan Ghosh Academy in Kolkata, now operating two branches and catering to students worldwide. His vision is to make the sitar accessible to learners of all ages and backgrounds. The academy emphasizes innovation while staying rooted in classical traditions.


Recognition and Other Endeavors

Sayan’s talents extend beyond performance. He is a lyricist, music composer, and active participant in short films. His work in the 2024 International Sanskrit Short Film Festival (ISSFF) earned him the Best Music Composer award.

Through his creativity, dedication, and deep understanding of classical music, Sayan Ghosh continues to inspire students and audiences worldwide, contributing to the preservation and evolution of Hindustani classical music.

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