Sharanjeet Singh Mand
Sitarist, Composer and Educator
Rooted in the Vilayatkhani tradition and open to a wider musical world, Sharanjeet's work brings together depth of raga, contemporary composition, poetry and cross-cultural collaboration.
A LIFE IN MUSIC
From curiosity to calling
Born in India, Sharanjeet was drawn to music while pursuing his early studies in science. At sixteen, he chose the sitar as his life's path and soon after gave his first public performance at the Mother Teresa Homage Concert in Delhi.
Years of dedicated riyaz and guidance shaped his artistry, leading him to Canada in 2014 where he continues to create, perform and teach.
TRAINING & TRADITION
The Vilayatkhani heritage
A disciple of Pandit Dr. Harvinder Sharma and rooted in the Vilayatkhani gharana, Sharanjeet embodies the gayaki ang—voice-like expression on the sitar. His music is known for its fluid meend, delicate ornamentation, expansive improvisation and ability to move between stillness and intensity.
This lineage is not only a tradition he honours, but also a foundation that empowers his exploration of new musical landscapes.
Read more about Sharanjeet’s journey.
Artist Biography – Sharanjeet Singh Mand
“Taking music to new heights… literally.” — Classic FM
Sharanjeet Singh Mand is a sitar maestro whose artistry blends virtuosity, spirituality, and a spirit of innovation. A disciple of Pandit Harvinder Sharma and rooted in the Vilayatkhani gharana, he channels the gayaki ang style, infusing his music with the voice-like fluidity and emotional depth that have become his signature.
Born in India, Sharanjeet charted an unconventional path. Though initially pursuing science, he felt irresistibly drawn to the sitar. At sixteen, he made a dramatic choice to dedicate himself to music—fasting until his family agreed to buy his first instrument. Soon after, he made his debut at the Mother Teresa Homage Concert in Delhi, signaling the start of a career defined by bold vision and artistic commitment.
Since relocating to Canada in 2014, Sharanjeet has forged a groundbreaking career. He holds the distinction of being the first Indian classical musician ever to perform a solo piece at the Juno Awards, and is also the first Indian classical and Indian musician to be named on CBC Music’s “30 Under 30 Hottest Classical Musicians.” His pioneering spirit extends further: he is the first Indian classical musician to perform opera on sitar, an innovation that has inspired a new generation of artists to explore the intersection of Indian and Western classical traditions.
Sharanjeet’s performances span continents and genres, captivating audiences across India, Canada, the United States, and beyond. His artistry ranges from pure classical recitals to genre-defying collaborations. He has performed alongside orchestras such as Vancouver’s Borderland Ensemble, and contributed to theatre and dance productions like ICMSV’s Parāśakti: The Flame Within, where his intricate sitar melodies “followed the dancer’s delicate expressions,” creating a profound dialogue between sound and movement.
Among his most unique achievements is his 2022 journey to Mount Everest Base Camp, where he carried his sitar to an altitude exceeding 17,000 feet. Performing in the thin, icy air of the Himalayas, he embodied the words of Classic FM, which described him as “taking music to new heights… literally,” a moment that perfectly symbolizes his fusion of musical devotion and adventurous spirit.
Beyond performance, Sharanjeet is a composer who seamlessly integrates Indian classical elements with Western and world influences. His compositions explore new textures and possibilities for the sitar, helping redefine its place in contemporary music. He is also the founder of Gurukul Canada Foundation
MILESTONES
A journey across stages and landscapes
Age 16
First Public Performance
Mother Teresa Homage Concert, Delhi.
2015
For the Prime Ministers
Performed at a reception honouring Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Stephen Harper in Vancouver.
2018
JUNO Awards
First Indian classical musician to perform a solo presentation for the JUNO Awards.
CBC Music
30 Under 30
First non-Western classical musician named to CBC Music's 30 Under 30 list.
2022
Everest Base Camp
World-record open-air sitar recital at over 17,000 feet in sub-zero conditions.
“Taking music to new heights... literally.”
— Classic FM
Sharanjeet’s love for music and mountains has taken his sitar into some of the world’s most extraordinary landscapes. These journeys, exploring music through silence, solitude and nature, have affectionately earned him the name “The Mountain Sitarist."
In 2022, Sharanjeet carried his sitar to Mount Everest Base Camp and performed a historic open-air recital at more than 17,000 feet. The performance drew global attention, but its deeper meaning lies in the belief that music can reach places where the ordinary stage cannot.
COMPOSER & EXPLORER
Sharanjeet composes original music where raga meets harmony, poetry, and the natural world. Projects like Ladakh explore stillness, landscape and inner journey.
COLLABORATOR
He collaborates with Western classical musicians, ensembles, and across art forms—opera, orchestra, theatre and dance.
EDUCATOR & GURU
Through Gurukul Canada, he mentors the next generation with discipline, listening, and the spirit of the guru-shishya tradition.
THE FUTURE
The journey continues
Sharanjeet continues to expand the frontiers of Indian classical music through concerts, compositions, educational programs and artistic collaborations around the world.
December 2026 — India Tour
Concerts, intimate baithaks, lecture-demonstrations and retreats across Delhi, Chandigarh and additional cities.
Bring Sharanjeet's work to your audience.