Akash Parekar
Akash Parekar embarked on his sitar journey at the age of 18 in 2011, establishing himself among the emerging cohort of talented British-born sitarists. Initially trained in Western classical and contemporary music, his diverse musical upbringing imbues his playing with innovation and depth. Over time, Akash has flourished as a creative force in the global music scene.
Under the tutelage of esteemed sitarist and educator Ustad Dharambir Singh (MBE) and the renowned Smt. Roopa Panesar, Akash has honed his craft with dedication. He has also drawn inspiration from revered musicians such as Ustad Harjinderpal Singh and Ustad Irshad Khan. Currently, Akash primarily tours internationally across the UK and Europe.
A pivotal moment in his musical journey came in 2010 when he performed in an ensemble in India in the presence of His Holiness, Sri Sathya Sai Baba. In 2012, he delivered a solo performance at Prashanti Nilayam, an experience he regards as a defining milestone in his evolution as a musician.
Beyond his classical solo performances, Akash has engaged in numerous collaborative ventures, including projects like Penguins Rising with Zak Starkey, Mayur Navekar, and Michael Tedstone. His music has graced prestigious venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and De Montfort Hall, cementing his reputation as a dynamic and innovative sitarist.
In 2024, Akash captivated audiences with a series of remarkable performances. In April, he performed in London at St Martin-in-the-Fields alongside Junaid Ali. In June, he took the stage with Surdarshan Chana at Darbar’s Culture Festival, followed by an electrifying performance at Darbar Festival in October with Himmet Bahra. These performances showcased a powerful blend of classical precision and improvisational brilliance, solidifying his place as a leading figure in the Indian classical music landscape.
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