Contents
Ali Akbar Khan
Introducing the sarod and Hindustani classical music to generations of international listeners and students.
Aandhiyan · Devi
- Born
- 14 April 1922
- Birthplace
- Shibpur, present-day Bangladesh
- Died
- 18 June 2009
More people
Ali Akbar Khan
Ali Akbar Khan was an Indian sarod virtuoso, composer and teacher of the Maihar tradition. His California college became a lasting centre for studying Indian classical music.
Early life
A demanding teacher
Trained from childhood with his father Allauddin Khan in Maihar.
Choosing the sarod
Studied several instruments and vocal music before making the sarod his principal instrument.
Career
- 1943
Court musician
Joined the court of the Maharaja of Jodhpur as a performer and composer.
- 1955
American introduction
Travelled to the United States at Yehudi Menuhin’s invitation, performing and recording.
- 1967
California college
Founded a school in Berkeley that moved to San Rafael the following year.
Selected work
Aandhiyan
Composed music for Chetan Anand’s film.
Devi
Created the score for Satyajit Ray’s film.
Concert for Bangladesh
Performed with Ravi Shankar at the New York benefit concerts.
Beyond work
Teaching as a commitment
Continued giving detailed lessons at his college, preserving a demanding oral tradition of musical training.
American recognition
Received a MacArthur Fellowship in 1991 and a National Heritage Fellowship in 1997.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Biography — Ali Akbar College of Music ↗National Heritage Fellowship — NEA ↗Photo: Unknown author Unknown author. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
