Vadodara: Renowned sitar maestro and Padma Shri awardee Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan is conducting a two-day international workshop and masterclass at Maharaja Sayajirao University’s (MSU) Faculty of Performing Arts on Sunday and Monday.The workshop features three sessions focusing on raga, instrumental technique and performance in Hindustani classical music. It brings together students, musicians and music enthusiasts, offering them an opportunity to learn from and interact with one of the foremost exponents of the sitar.Prof Ajay Ashtaputre, dean of the Faculty of Performing Arts, said the initiative would provide students with a valuable opportunity to learn from an accomplished maestro and deepen their understanding of Indian classical music.Prof Vishwas Sant, head of the department, said the workshop places particular emphasis on gayaki ang — a style of instrumental rendition that seeks to recreate the nuances and expressiveness of vocal music. He added that Ustad Khan, who represents the seventh generation of the Etawah Gharana tradition, would share his insights into swar (notes), laya (rhythm and tempo) and riyaz (dedicated practice).Ustad Khan began learning the sitar under the guidance of his father, Ustad Aziz Khan, and gave his first public performance at the age of eight. A leading exponent of the Etawah Gharana, he has performed extensively across Europe, North America, Australia and the Middle East.A recipient of the Padma Shri, Ustad Khan is widely known as the “Man with the Singing Sitar” for his remarkable ability to reproduce the subtle nuances of the human voice through his instrument.Organised by the Department of Indian Classical Music—Instrumental (Sitar and Violin), in collaboration with the SPK Academy of Music, the workshop commenced on Sunday and will conclude on Monday. The sessions are being held at the faculty’s concert hall.
