Grammy nominee Anoushka Shankar kicks off China Tour in Beijing

Sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar, a multiple-time Grammy nominee, recently made her debut in Beijing, bringing her distinctive blend of Indian classical music, contemporary rhythms and musical experimentation to Chinese audiences.

Anoushka Shankar is the daughter of legendary Indian sitar master Ravi Shankar. During her concert at the ongoing Beijing Music Festival on October 14th, she performed "Fire Night," the only piece in the program from her father's hand, which served as a tribute to Ravi Shankar, the sitar master who was a key figure in bringing Indian classical music to the global audiences and deeply influenced generations of musicians.

Performing with her friends, Shankar offered Beijing audiences a musical dialogue that transcended borders.

The concert featured mainly Shankar's original works, showcasing her contemporary compositional style: with the meditative tones of the sitar at its core, the program wove in the clarinet, the double bass as well as the pulse of percussion, creating an emotional vibe that ranged from serene to fiery.

Her tour continues on Sunday (Oct 18), when the world music star makes her Guangzhou debut at the Xinghai Concert Hall, as part of the 2026 Guangzhou Jazz Season.