Ragas with Soul: Prabhat Rao, Pulkit Sharma, Kirpal Panesar & Siddhiie Kapshikarr

In the fourth concert of the Leicester series this April, we are delighted to present an evening of spellbinding Indian classical music, led by the mesmerising Khayal vocalist Prabhat Rao. His performance promises to bring warmth and vibrancy to the spring season. Joining him are three remarkable musicians: Pulkit Sharma on Tabla, Kirpal Panesar on Esraj, and Siddhiie Kapshikarr on Harmonium. Together, they will craft an unforgettable and immersive musical experience.

This event is perfect for music enthusiasts eager to celebrate the arrival of spring with the timeless beauty of Indian classical music.

About the Performers:

1- Prabhat Rao (Khayal Vocal)
Prabhat is a prominent Hindustani classical singer based in London, widely regarded as a torchbearer for the younger generation of Khayal practitioners in the UK. As one of the few vocalists who is a full-time, dedicated practitioner and teacher of this genre, he is committed to nurturing the next generation to carry the tradition forward. Hailing from a South Indian family, Prabhat spent his early years with his grandmother, a Carnatic classical music exponent, before deciding to pursue a deep study of Hindustani music in his late teens, drawn by the improvisational nature of Khayal. He continues his advanced training under Dr. Shashank Maktedar and Prof. Ojesh Pratap Singh, focusing on the Gwalior Gharana as part of Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar's lineage, and has previously trained with Guru Chandrima Misra at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in London. With a profound understanding of raagas and mastery over laya, Prabhat's emphasis has always been on the aesthetics of Khayal, expressing the emotion inherent in each composition. His performances aim to demystify this ancient art form, ensuring that both seasoned and new audiences leave with a deep appreciation of his Khayal.

2- Pulkit Sharma (Tabla)
Pulkit Sharma is a West Midlands-based tabla player and percussionist. A disciple of the tabla maestro Ustad Sarvar Sabri, he demonstrates versatility whether performing solo or accompanying vocalists, instrumentalists, and dancers. Alongside his tabla training, his passion for music has led him to explore traditional folk instruments like Khartaal, Bhapang, Dholak, and Morchang. Inspired by his parents Dr Mukesh and Dr Vandana Sharma, Pulkit combines his musical practice with a career in user experience design.

3- Kirpal Panesar (Esraj)
Kirpal Singh Panesar, a master of the tar-shehnai, dilruba, and Esraj, began his musical journey in the UK before studying under Bhai Surjeet Singh and later traveling to India to seek guidance from Ustad Bismillah Khan. His determination led him to undertake multiple challenging journeys to meet Khan, culminating in a life-changing encounter on a train, where Khan first heard him play and later introduced him at a concert. Panesar's performances have since graced prestigious venues across Europe and India, and he has a deep connection with Darbar, which he calls the ultimate platform for musicians. Known for his soulful understanding of Indian classical music, he emphasises the spiritual depth in the spaces between notes and the endless possibilities within ragas. Panesar believes that the path to mastery in music, much like the journey to spirituality, is not about crossing an ocean, but about surrendering to its vastness.

4- Siddhiie Kapshikarr (Harmonium)
Siddhiie Kapshikarr, a musician, composer, and educator, is celebrated for fusing Indian classical music with contemporary genres. Holding a Visharad in Hindustani music and a master’s in audio production, she has trained under maestros like Dr. L. Subramaniam and performed at prestigious venues, including St. Martin-in-the-Fields and The Bhavan. As an audio-visual engineer at HSBC and founder of Sirth Musicals, Siddhiie combines technical expertise with her passion for music, teaching globally and inspiring audiences through soulful compositions featured on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.

Let the transcendent melodies and rhythmic elegance of this extraordinary concert brighten your April!