Sydney, get ready to have your ears tickled, your heart stirred, and your musical senses transported to the royal courts of North India. Yes, you heard that right! The legendary Ustad Irfan Khan – sarod virtuoso of the Lucknow-Shahjahanpur Gharana – and the internationally acclaimed tabla maestro Bobby Singh are landing in town for a pair of performances that promise to be nothing short of spectacular.
If you’ve ever wondered what it might feel like to be at a Nawab’s court, sipping chai while a masterful sarod player weaves intricate patterns of melody and rhythm, this is your chance. And let’s be honest – how often do you get the chance to witness centuries of musical tradition fused with modern virtuosity right here in Sydney?
The Artists Behind the Music
First, let’s talk about Ustad Irfan Khan. Representing one of the oldest and most illustrious families of sarod players in India, Ustad Irfan is essentially a walking, breathing encyclopedia of Hindustani classical music. Trained rigorously by his father, Ustad Umar Khan, and his legendary sitar-playing uncle, Ustad Ilyas Khan, Irfan carries the weight of generations on his strings – and he does so with unmatched elegance. His music is not just heard; it’s felt, in every vibration of the sarod, in every pause, in every perfectly timed flourish.
And then there’s Bobby Singh, the man who can make tabla drums sing, dance, and sometimes even whisper secrets to your soul. Australia’s premier tabla player, Bobby has collaborated with artists across genres, proving that rhythm can be both traditional and contemporary, familiar and surprising. Pair him with Ustad Irfan, and you get a musical partnership that’s as thrilling as it is rare.
Why Sydney Needs to Be There
Here’s the thing: performances like this don’t happen every day. In fact, Ustad Irfan Khan’s visit to Australia marks his very first tour here. That’s right – this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear a living legend perform live. And Sydney, being the vibrant cultural hub that it is, will be the stage for two shows that promise to elevate, inspire, and mesmerize.
The first concert, Hindustani Raga Music, will take place on Saturday, 7 February 2026, at the elegant Church Street Studios in Camperdown, starting at 7:30 PM. Expect an evening of soaring melodies, intricate rhythms, and pure musical magic. The next day, on Sunday, 8 February 2026, catch the Afternoon Ragas session at the same venue in Newtown from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM – a perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday immersed in sound that transcends time and space.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of classical Indian music or a curious listener looking to experience something completely new, these concerts promise an intimate, transformative experience that will leave you thinking about the sarod and tabla long after the final note fades.
A Journey Through Time and Sound
The beauty of Hindustani classical music lies in its depth and history. Ustad Irfan’s lineage – the Lucknow-Shahjahanpur Gharana – dates back hundreds of years, flourishing in the princely courts of North India. These were performances steeped in tradition, refinement, and a sense of musical storytelling that transported listeners to a world far removed from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Fast forward to today, and that same tradition is alive and vibrant, thanks to musicians like Irfan and Bobby. Their performances are not museum pieces; they are living, breathing, evolving art forms. And Sydney audiences get the rare chance to witness this fusion of history, mastery, and creativity in real time.
More Than Just Music
Attending these concerts is more than just a night out – it’s a cultural experience. You’ll learn to appreciate the subtleties of ragas, the interplay of melody and rhythm, and the sheer artistry that comes from decades of dedicated practice. And for anyone who’s been curious about Indian classical music but hasn’t had the chance to experience it live, this is your golden ticket.
Plus, let’s not forget the visual element: watching Ustad Irfan’s fingers glide across the sarod strings or Bobby Singh’s hands dance across the tabla is mesmerizing. It’s almost like watching poetry being written in real time – but with sound instead of words.
Don’t Miss Out
Tickets for both performances are expected to sell fast, so if you’ve been thinking about it, now’s the time to lock in your spot. Treat yourself, a friend, or a music-loving family member to a concert that’s as intellectually stimulating as it is soul-soothing.
In a city filled with entertainment options, these shows stand out for one simple reason: they’re authentic, rare, and unforgettable. Ustad Irfan Khan and Bobby Singh are not just performers; they are custodians of a musical heritage, bringing centuries of artistry to the present day.
So, Sydney, if you’re ready to experience music that transcends boundaries and touches the heart, mark your calendars for 7 and 8 February 2026, and prepare to be transported by the magic of Hindustani classical music.
Church Street Studios, Camperdown & Newtown
- Saturday 7 Feb 2026 | 7:30 PM – Hindustani Raga Music
- Sunday 8 Feb 2026 | 5:00 PM – Afternoon Ragas
Your ears (and your soul) will thank you.