Ustad Kamal Sabri, internationally acclaimed as the 'Sarangi Sultan,' has established himself as a leading global ambassador of Indian classical music. A seventh-generation exponent of the Moradabad Gharana, he has dedicated his life to preserving, promoting, and innovating the Sarangi, an instrument often described as closest to the human voice. Through performances, teaching, and international recognition, he has elevated the Sarangi from a traditional accompaniment instrument to a globally respected solo instrument.
Performances for International Dignitaries
Throughout his career, Ustad Kamal Sabri has performed for numerous heads of state and dignitaries, including the King of Norway, the President of India, the Mayor of New York City, the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, and members of the Spanish Royal Family. These performances serve as powerful examples of cultural diplomacy, using music to bridge nations. He has also performed at official receptions, state functions, and international cultural festivals, strengthening cultural ties globally.
Performances at World Heritage Sites and Major Venues
Ustad Kamal Sabri has performed at iconic venues worldwide, including Times Square in New York, Trafalgar Square in London, Finlandia Hall in Helsinki, Shanghai Grand Theatre, Symphony Hall in Birmingham, Royal Festival Hall in London, Gracie Mansion in New York, and the Parliament of India during its 60th anniversary. He has also participated in festivals such as the Oslo World Music Festival, Copenhagen World Music Festival, World Music Asia Festival in Shanghai, Delhi Jazz Festival, Delhi International Arts Festival, Kala Ghoda Arts Festival in Mumbai, and Commonwealth Games Cultural Celebrations. These appearances have introduced the Sarangi to diverse global audiences.
Teaching and Educational Contributions
Ustad Kamal Sabri has conducted workshops, masterclasses, and artist residencies at leading institutions worldwide. In Finland, he has taught at the Sibelius Academy and the University of Helsinki; in Denmark, at Esbjerg Music School and the Danish Music Academy; in Norway, at Trondheim Music Academy and Oslo Music Conservatoire; in the United Kingdom, at SOAS University of London, Birmingham Conservatoire, Leeds College of Music, and the University of Oxford; in the United States, at UCLA and UC Santa Cruz; and in Pakistan, at NAPA in Karachi and the Music Academy in Lahore. His workshops cover raga and tala systems, Sarangi techniques, improvisation, world music collaborations, and the Guru-Shishya Parampara tradition.
International Honours and Awards
Ustad Kamal Sabri has received numerous prestigious awards. In 2026, he was honoured with the Global Iconic Artist Award at the World Heart Beat Awards in London. In 2024, he received the Dadasaheb Phalke Icon Films International Award in Dubai as 'Iconic World Music Artist.' In 2023, he was named World Music Artist of the Year in Uzbekistan and Composer of the Year by MID DAY in Mumbai. He has also won a Gold Medal at the Global Music Awards in Los Angeles, received recognition from Nashville Music City in 2016, and was awarded the GOPIO International USA Outstanding Achievement in Performing Arts Award in 2025. Additionally, he has been honoured by the Mayor of New York and holds an Honorary Doctorate in Music, as well as professorships at St. Mother Teresa University in Melbourne and Subharti University in Meerut.
Recordings and Discography
Ustad Kamal Sabri has released numerous albums with leading labels. His discography includes 'Best of Sarangi' and 'The Sabri Family' (ARC Music, UK), 'Dance of the Desert' and 'Sarangi Funk' (Music Today, India), 'Sarangi Redefined' (Times Music), 'Samaagam' (Saregama), 'Rivayat' and 'Prince of Sarangi' (Bihaan Music), 'Meditation on Strings' (Saregama), 'Sarangi Meditation' (Smiling Stars, Finland) — the first Indian classical music album released from Finland — and 'Swar Alankar' (Virgin Music), his first solo album. These works span classical, world music, fusion, and meditation genres, expanding the Sarangi's global reach.
Legacy and Vision
Ustad Kamal Sabri is recognized as one of the foremost Sarangi maestros and cultural ambassadors of the 21st century. Through his artistry, scholarship, and dedication, he continues to inspire future generations and ensure that the timeless voice of the Sarangi resonates worldwide.
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