Ustad Nishat Khan grew up learning from a prestigious musical family – in particular his father Ustad Imrat Khanand uncle Ustad Vilayat Khan – as well as attending once of the most prestigious musical schools in India – the Imdadkani Ganara of Etawah.
Nishat is one of the foremost and highly regarded Indian musicians. With his unique and contemporary approach, his incredible musical heritage and his diverse engagement across several genres, Ustad Khan stands as an ambassador for the future of sitar and Indian music making.
We welcomed Nishat into the Future Talent family for the first time in October as he performed at our gala concert at The Charterhouse in London, alongside Future Talent Ambassador Sheku Kanneh-Mason. Nishat’s own composition and a world première, Fantasia of the Auroras Illuminé was commissioned by Future Talent patrons Ravi and Anindita Gupta.
Nishat’s appointment as an Ambassador for Future Talent follows after the launch of our Indian Classical Scholarship, as we shift towards greater engagement with Indian Classical music and other under-represented genres and styles.
Working with organisations across the UK who specialise in Indian Classical music such as our partners South Asian Arts UK, Future Talent will provide support to numerous young musicians from an Indian Classical musical background each year.