Music has the power to heal and unite people from diverse cultures around the world. Ancient musical traditions serve as a bridge to the distant past, and by continuing those traditions we provide a lasting cultural connection for future generations.

The SPK Academy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to sharing the rich tradition of Indian classical music through sitar instruction and performance. The Academy provides scholarships to students in India and around the world, and undertakes recording and archival efforts to preserve this music for many generations to come. Learn more about the organization's mission here (and consider setting a recurring donation).

The musical inspiration behind SPK Academy is Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan (Ustadji), the renowned maestro who belongs to the seventh generation of master musicians from the Etawah / Imdadkhani musical tradition and is widely known as one of the world's finest living sitar players.

Nishanth Chari is a shagird (disciple) of Ustadji, and has been performing for over 15 years in venues across the US and in India. In this performance, Nishanth displays the emotional depth and virtuosic power of this musical tradition, showcasing clever variations and improvisations within cyclical compositions developed by his guru.

To demonstrate the rich history of this tradition, Nishanth has chosen to perform a complex and challenging raga (melody) called Miyan ki Malhar, which dates back to the 1500s and was originated by the legendary court musician Tansen. Nishanth starts with a slow development of the raga known as Alaap, followed by improvised variations in different time signatures and tempos: Jhaptaal (10-beat), Ektaal (12-beat), and Teental (16-beat).

Nishanth is dedicating his contribution to the Academy's scholarship programs in the name of his great grandfather K. Parthasarathy or "Papasami", a renowned philanthropist and patron of the arts who sponsored budding musicians who became legends of Indian classical music including violinist Sri T.N. Krishnan.

All ticket proceeds will go to the SPK Academy - thank you for your contribution!

Nish Chari

Nish Chari

The SPK Academy...

Nish Chari