Atish Mukhopadhyay stands as one of the rare virtuosos of the Sarode in the contemporary panorama of North Indian Classical Instrumental musicians. A dedicated scholar of traditional music, he proudly carries the legacy of the ‘Maihar Senia Gharana of Baba Allauddin Khan,’ a world famous musical lineage that carries the music from the 16th Century India, serving as its direct representative and torchbearer. With a career marked by high critical acclaim and numerous accolades for his musical excellence, Atish Mukhopadhyay has left an indelible mark on the world of North Indian Classical music.
Born into a life deeply intertwined with melodies, Atish's musical journey has been enriched under the guidance of some of the greatest masters and Gurus in the North Indian Classical Music tradition for almost four decades. His musical training commenced in 1985 under the tutelage of Guru Professor Dhyanesh Khan. However, it was in 1991 that he discovered a new haven for his artistic expression when he embarked on the profound journey of learning the art of Sarode under the affectionate guidance of Guru Ustad Aashish Khan. Over more than a decade, Atish also absorbed the rich knowledge from Vidushee Ameena Perera, one of the finest Gurus in the field. His musical odyssey even included rare opportunities to study with the legendary Late Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, a testament to the depth of his musical foundation. Despite receiving illustrious training since childhood, Atish continues to enrich his musical repertoire through periodic study sessions with Ustad Aashish Khan.
As a performing artist, Atish Mukhopadhyay has graced audiences with numerous solo performances both in India and abroad since 2005. His musical prowess has transcended borders, with successful participations in national and international music festivals, captivating audiences in Russia, the USA, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, and beyond. His Sarode album, "The Majestic Senia Sarode," released by 'Raga Music' in India, further attests to the sublime artistry he brings to his craft.
Beyond the traditional boundaries of Indian classical music, Atish's passion for experimentation, cross-cultural collaboration, and appreciation of non-Indian musical forms distinguishes him as a representative of a new generation of Indian musicians. Recently, he worked on a successful collaborative project that brought together five different music genres. This unique project was staged as a live show in the heart of Toronto and was very well received. His supervision and volunteering in the impactful Ukrainian project "Children of War: Invisible Wounds," funded by the European Union and Ukrainian Psychiatric Association in 2020-2021, showcases his commitment to harnessing the power of music for social impact and healing.
Atish's commitment to education is as profound as his commitment to performance. Having conducted over five hundred music workshops and lecture demonstrations in India and abroad, he has imparted his knowledge to aspiring musicians at esteemed institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania, Punjab University, Akal College of Divine Music, Saint Petersburg Korsakov Conservatory, and the Alliance Française Dhaka. Since 2012, Atish has served as a visiting lecturer in both Instrumental and Vocal Hindustani music at the Moscow Tchaikovsky Music Conservatory, contributing to the global dissemination of Indian classical music.
His involvement as a founding member and faculty at the Aashish Khan School of World Music in Kolkata reflects his dedication to nurturing the next generation of musicians. The school, under his guidance, serves as a hub for aspiring musicians seeking to delve into the world of world music.
Atish
Mukhopadhyay's outstanding dedication and elegance in music have been
recognized through titles like 'Surmani' and 'Sangeet Sadhak' in India.
Notably, he became the first Indian musician to receive the 'Nikolai Rubinstein
Medal' from Moscow Tchaikovsky State Music Conservatory. This prestigious award
was bestowed upon him by the Government of Russia on the 10th anniversary of a
regular course of North Indian Classical Music that he initiated in 2012. Atish
is recognized as an empaneled musician by the Government of India, Ministry of
External Affairs. Additionally, he held the empanelment as 'Multi-Talented
Teacher-cum-Performer' with the Government of India, Ministry of External
Affairs from February 2014 to January 2018.
In a professional
career spanning nearly 20 years, Atish Mukhopadhyay has not only been a
torchbearer of a rich musical lineage but a cultural ambassador, transcending
geographical and cultural boundaries. In a remarkable milestone, Atish achieved
another first by becoming the inaugural Indian classical musician to perform in
concert series in the northern Siberian region in 2023, an honor extended to
him by the Government of Siberia. These groundbreaking performances further
underscore his ability to bridge diverse cultures through the universal
language of music, expanding the reach of Indian classical artistry to new
horizons.
Atish's Social Media:
YouTube: SarodeAtish
LinkedIn: atish-mukhopadhyayFacebook: atish.mukhopadhyay
Instagram: atishmukhopadhyay