Sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar makes China debut

Sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar has made her China debut, with Beijing serving as the opening stop of her Chinese tour on Oct 14, bringing her distinctive blend of Indian classical music, contemporary rhythms and musical experimentation to Chinese audiences.

The 13-time Grammy nominee is the daughter of legendary Indian sitar master Ravi Shankar, whose contributions helped introduce Indian classical music to audiences around the world. Following in her father's footsteps while forging her own artistic path, Anoushka has developed a musical language that bridges tradition and innovation.

Her work moves fluidly between the intricate structures of Indian classical music, contemporary rhythmic patterns, minimalist influences and improvisation. Drawing on a wide range of musical traditions, she continues to explore new possibilities for the sitar while remaining deeply connected to her cultural heritage.

Her show in Beijing was part of the ongoing 29th Beijing Music Festival.

The program for her China tour — Shanghai on Oct 16 and Guangzhou on Oct 18 — features a selection of original and collaborative works, alongside Fire Night, a composition by her father. It also includes a piece written with her sister, offering audiences a glimpse into the family's shared musical legacy.

Her performances offer Chinese audiences an opportunity to experience the versatility of the sitar in a contemporary setting, where classical traditions meet experimentation and diverse musical influences.