Sharanjeet Singh Mand
Sharanjeet Singh Mand is an internationally recognized exponent of Sitar and Surbahar. He is a disciple of doyen of Indian Classical Music, Pandit Harvinder Sharma. Sharanjeet represents Ustad Vilayatkhani Gharana. Sharanjeet is also an acclaimed composer and a devoted Guru.
CBC listed Sharanjeet as one of 30 under 30 Hottest Classical Musicians. It is hailed as a historic breakthrough throughout the world as Sharanjeet is the first-ever non-western classical musician to make it on the list. Sharanjeet is widely known as a Sitarist with impeccable style and flair, and his performances have enthralled audiences in India, Canada, USA alike. A young and energetic performer, his style of performance is laced with fast taans and soulful gayaki ang. Many consider him as one of the bearers of Sitar.
Carrying forward the rich musical heritage of ImdadKhani Gharana, he has developed a very unique and sensitive style of Gayaki Ang (vocal imitation by instrument). His repertoire includes captivating musical ornaments like Khatka, Murki, Meend, Gamak, etc. of Khayal style and Progressive Jor and Jhalla with unique patterns of improvisation in different rhythmic cycles in traditional as well as rarely played ragas.He gave his first performance at age of 16 at Mother Teresa Homage Concert. Since then he has been performing at various prestigious stages throughout the world.
His dedication has earned him a niche among the finest instrumentalists of his generation and an international career as a performer as well as an educator. On 16th August, 2015 Sharanjeet performed for the reception of Mr. Narendra Modi and Mr. Stephen Harper, Prime Ministers of India and Canada, respectively, in Vancouver during the Indian Prime minister’s historic visit after 44 years. Sharanjeet has been invited as a guest lecturer at Douglas College, the University of British Columbia, and Simon Fraser University. Sharanjeet has also conducted several workshops for teachers as a part of the British Columbia Professional Development Program. Sharanjeet is also a resident educationist at Place Des Arts, one of Canada’s oldest Arts Academy.
Sharanjeet created history by becoming the first-ever Indian Classical musician to perform a solo concert for Juno Awards in 2018. Being equally apt in Indian and Western Classical music, Sharanjeet has collaborated with musicians of both genres. Sharanjeet is also a versatile pianist. He has been credited to be the first-ever Sitarist to play ‘Art Song’ (Opera) ‘Ave Maria’ on Sitar. As a celebrated TV host, Radio host, and through many community engagement programs, Sharanjeet has fully dedicated himself to the cause of preserving and promoting Indian Classical Music.