Artists

Ustad Mohammad Akram Khan is a 7th-generation tabla maestro from the esteemed Ajrada Gharana, one of India’s six major tabla traditions. Trained by his great-grandfather Ustad Mohammad Shafi Khan and later by the legendary Ustad Niazu Khan, he has preserved the gharana’s rich legacy, retaining over fifteen rare kaydas and passing them on to the next generation.

With over 43 years of performance experience, Ustad Akram Khan has played in more than 11,000 concerts across the globe. A top-grade ICCR artist, he has graced prestigious stages worldwide, including the Kennedy Center and Royal Festival Hall. Known for his technical brilliance and deep musicality, he is also a passionate educator, actively involved with SPIC MACAY and music outreach for youth.

Sanju Sahai is a world-renowned tabla player from the famous Benares Gharana. He started learning at a young age from his grandfather, Pandit Sharda Sahai, and soon became a master of rhythm and technique.

With over 25 years of experience, Sanju has performed across the world with top Indian classical musicians, as well as in fusion and contemporary music. His energetic performances and deep understanding of rhythm make him one of the most sought-after tabla players today.

Along with performing, he is also a passionate teacher, sharing his knowledge with students worldwide. Sanju continues to keep the Benares Gharana tradition alive while bringing fresh creativity to his music.

Jonathan Mayer is a British sitarist and composer, trained in both Indian classical and Western music. Son of the late composer John Mayer, he began studying music at age five and later trained under Clem Alford, Ustad Wajahat Khan, and Pandit Subroto Roy Chowdhury. A graduate of Birmingham Conservatoire, his musical lineage spans the Senia, Imdadkhani, and Lucknow-Shahjahanpur gharanas.

With a career that bridges genres and traditions, Jonathan has performed with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Bombay Dub Orchestra, and BBC Concert Orchestra. His compositions have been commissioned by leading ensembles and presented globally, including India’s Dover Lane Music Conference. A key collaborator with ZerOclassiKal, he continues to expand the possibilities of sitar through cross-genre work and acclaimed recordings like Sitar Concerto No.2.

Amit Sharma is a skilled and passionate Dhrupad singer, deeply rooted in the ancient traditions of Indian classical music. Introduced to sound and resonance by his grandfather, his journey continued in Bhopal under masters of the guru-shishya tradition. His training focused on voice, vibration, and the meditative core of Dhrupad—emphasizing slow, deliberate sound, Sanskrit poetry, and deep internal focus.

Since moving to Zurich, Switzerland in 2013, Amit has introduced the sacred art of Dhrupad to audiences and students across Switzerland, Germany, and Italy. With a patient, immersive teaching style, he shares the genre’s profound resonance and spiritual depth, guiding students through a music practice that heals, connects, and transforms.

Vinayak Sahai is a versatile percussionist known for his dynamic performances and deep-rooted understanding of rhythm. Trained in the rich traditions of Indian classical music, he has developed a distinctive style that blends traditional techniques with a contemporary spirit. Son of the renowned tabla maestro Pandit Sanju Sahai, Vinayak continues the family’s musical legacy with skill, precision, and passion.

Performing regularly across India and the UK, Vinayak has quickly become a sought-after accompanist and soloist. His performances are marked by crisp rhythmic clarity and an intuitive musical sensitivity that connects with diverse audiences. With a strong foundation and evolving artistry, he represents the next generation of Indian classical percussion with authenticity and innovation.

Raymond Yiu is a classically trained pianist based in London, originally from Hong Kong. A graduate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and Trinity Laban Conservatoire, he has performed widely across the UK, including solo appearances at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and with the London Gay Symphony Orchestra. His playing blends technical precision with expressive depth, earning him multiple international competition prizes.

In addition to his performance career, Raymond is an active chamber musician and dedicated teacher. He currently serves as a visiting piano specialist at several London schools and continues to mentor young pianists toward scholarship success. His work as a performer and educator reflects a deep commitment to sharing the richness of classical music with new audiences.

Ishtar Doblar is a certified yoga therapist and teacher with over a decade of experience guiding individuals toward balance, resilience, and inner clarity. Based in Switzerland, she specializes in yoga, yoga therapy, and her own Superpower Relaxation Method, developed to help people integrate deep rest into everyday life. Her approach is rooted in compassion and body awareness, helping clients connect to their natural energy and potential for healing.

Since 2013, Ishtar has trained extensively in TriYoga®, Spiraldynamik®, pre/postnatal yoga, and children’s yoga. Her teaching is informed by both modern therapeutic insights and classical yogic principles. A member of the Swiss Yoga Association and Yoga Alliance (E-RYT 500), she continues to support people across all stages of life through workshops, online programs, and 1:1 guidance.

Lovely Sharma is a renounced Sitarist, Music therapist and Musicologist, First Sitarist D.Litt., Kala Bhushan Awardee & her name was included in India Book of Records 2009 for her unique work in the Jails, Sitarist of A.I.R.Delhi, Empanelled Sitarist of ICCR, Ministry of external affairs, Delhi, Professor in Sitar, DEI University, Agra, Performance and music therapy workshops giving in Australia, Iran, Malaysia, Singapore, Argentina, Italy, China etc.

Presented around 60 research papers in National & International conferences & Workshops in India and Abroad. First lady of India who has treated Prisoners by Indian Classical music in the Jails. Written 7 valuable Books on Indian Music, Expert of around 50 Indian and Western Associations & universities. Organised many National & International conferences and Workshops for promotion of Indian Music at Agra.