Kirit Singh

Dhrupad Hindustani Sitar Vocal

3 minute read

Kirit began his journey into Western classical music by learning the piano at a young age. As a teenager, he developed an interest in Indian classical music, studying the Sarangi and Shabad Kirtan under Ustad Gurdev Singh Namdhari and Ustad Harbhajan Singh Namdhari, respectively.

Particularly fascinated by the Dhrupad and Dhamar styles, he became a disciple of renowned Dhrupad vocalist Pt. Uday Bhawalkar, with whom he has been studying since 2013.

Kirit has performed at festivals and venues both in the UK and internationally, including in France, Portugal, the Netherlands, Germany, Malaysia, India, and Pakistan.

Additionally, Kirit is a PhD scholar focusing on the history of Shabad Kirtan and Hindustani music in colonial Punjab.

Kirit Singh graced the Darbar Festival stage in 2022, performing alongside the esteemed Pandit Uday Bhawalkar, Pratap Awad, and Meghana Bhawalkar in a deeply immersive recital that highlighted the richness of the Dhrupad tradition. His mastery and devotion to the art form left a lasting impression. In 2024, he returned to Darbar, this time collaborating with the brilliant sitarist Jasdeep Singh Degun, blending tradition with innovation in a performance that resonated with both classical purists and contemporary audiences alike.

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Kirit Singh & Jasdeep Singh | Full Concert

Raags Performed: - Raag Yaman - Raag Durga Musicians : - Kirit Singh (Vocal) - Jasdeep Singh (Jori) At Darbar Festival 2024, the air was rich with devotion as Kirit Singh offered a heartfelt rendition of Raag Yaman, his voice steeped in emotion and classical finesse. Accompanied by Jasdeep Singh on the rare and majestic jori, the performance paid homage to the deep-rooted Sikh and Hindustani musical traditions. The jori's earthy resonance beautifully complemented Kirit's soulful alaap, weaving a dialogue between voice and rhythm that was both meditative and majestic. Together, they invoked a timeless atmosphere—where tradition was not just preserved, but celebrated with grace, reverence, and deep musical camaraderie. Raag Yaman is one of the most beloved and foundational ragas in Hindustani classical music, known for its serene, devotional, and romantic mood. Sung during the early evening hours, Yaman evokes a sense of peace and longing, often described as uplifting yet introspective. It is based on the Kalyan thaat and employs the sharp Ma (Tivra Madhyam), which gives the raga its distinctive, ethereal charm. With a graceful ascent and descent, Yaman offers ample space for elaborate alaaps and imaginative improvisation. For centuries, it has been a favorite among maestros and students alike—a timeless gateway into the spiritual depths of Indian music. Raag Durga is a luminous evening raga from the Hindustani classical tradition, known for its simplicity, purity, and devotional character. It belongs to the Bilawal thaat and is composed entirely of shuddha (natural) notes, creating a serene and auspicious mood. Often associated with a gentle, motherly grace, Durga evokes a sense of calm devotion and quiet strength. Its pentatonic structure invites both clarity and creativity, making it a favorite among vocalists and instrumentalists alike. When performed with depth and feeling, Raag Durga becomes a prayerful experience—an offering of melody that touches the heart with its understated spiritual beauty.