Renowned sitarist and son of music maestro Ustad Vilayat Khan, Ustad Hidayat Khan has always expressed immense love and respect for his father and teacher. To commemorate his 91st birth anniversary this year, Hidayat Khan has announced a special tribute concert in Princeton, New Jersey along with Utsav Lal and Enayet Hossain who will play the piano and tabla respectively. A first-of-its-kind Sitar and Piano duet in Princeton, Hidayat Khan will play his father's favourite renditions in his memory.
"Abba was such an interesting personality, I have learnt so much from him. He had many facets to his persona which made every day a unique journey with him. His birthday is a very special day, to me personally and to the world of music. It is now acknowledged as World Sitar Day. Princeton was special to him because he spent a lot of time there so we plan an event for him every year on his birthday", reminisces Ustad Hidayat Khan. He adds, "At this year's concert, we will be playing a lot of Abba's favourite compositions. I will play a few of his classic compositions and we may also include a tribute Raag, one he composed, called Raag Sanjh Saravali."
Hidayat Khan draws his passion towards music and the Sitar specifically from his father, who identified his talent and mentored him to help him reach the position he is at today. Hidayat has received immense praise for his notable work and passion towards his craft. He has collaborated with such illustrious musical names as Ndugu Chancler, Ronnie Woods, Zakir Hussain, Pete Townshend, among others.