Acclaimed sitar player set to play at The Vale

An internationally acclaimed sitarist, steeped in the North Indian classical tradition and proudly born and raised in Leeds, is coming to Mossley.

Jasdeep Singh Degun has been described as 'breaking down cultural boundaries' with his 'youthful energy'.

For a one night only intimate performance at The Vale, Jasdeep will perform a stunning piece of classical music from northern India, accompanied by tabla (hand drums).

Jasdeep has practised his craft all over the world, including at Buckingham Palace, the Amphitheatre in Doha, Qatar, Westminster Abbey at the Royal Commonwealth Service 2022, and the Royal Albert Hall at the BBC Proms.

He has performed as a concert soloist with many Western classical orchestras, including the Hamburg Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

In 2022, he was announced as Opera North's artist in residence.

Signed to the prestigious Real World Records, Jasdeep released his debut album, titled Anomaly, under the guidance of celebrated musician and producer Nitin Sawhney, who has worked with high profile artists including Sting, Jeff Beck, and Get Cape.

Wear Cape. Fly. Anomaly garnered a nomination for Best Album in the Songlines Music Awards 2023, and topped the Best world music albums of 2022 chart in the Financial Times.

Jasdeep began his training in vocal music with Smt. Gunwant Kaur whilst studying at primary school in Leeds.

He soon began classes at the local community centre under the guidance of the late Jayasree Sen Gupta, before learning under Dr Vijay Rajput as part of the Yorkshire Young Musicians scheme at the Leeds College of Music. 

He didn't start to study the sitar until the relatively late age of 15, under Ustad Dharambir Singh MBE.

Taken initially as a secondary instrument to his voice, Jasdeep soon made the decision to focus primarily on sitar.

The sitar is a plucked string instrument used in Hindustani classical music.

It became better known around the world in the 1960s, when sitarist Ravi Shankar came to prominence.

The instrument was later used to great effect on tracks by both the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.

Johnny Clifford, programming manager at The Vale, said: "Jasdeep's extraordinary artistry and unique approach to composition brings a new energy and vision to both Indian classical and contemporary music.

"He is truly redefining genres and is an important modern advocate for music from his heritage to audiences across the globe."

Jasdeep Singh Degun is at The Vale, Vale Mill, Micklehurst Road, Mossley OL5 9JL this Saturday (November 18, 7.30-11.30pm).

Tickets are £15 (£12.50 concs) and are available from the link here

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