Live Sitar Performances and Musical Tours
Music is about connection. From touring the USA to playing intimate baithaks in Mumbai, I love sharing the sound of the sitar with audiences everywhere.
A deeply humbling moment with the legendary sitar maestro, Ustad Shahid Parvez ji, along with my brother. His encouragement and blessings mean the world to us.
With Ustad Shahid Parvez ji and the organizers after our private baithak in Phoenix. It is an honour to be in the presence of such great masters of music.
A happy moment with my brother in Phoenix. We are not just musical partners but best friends, and we cherish these moments on tour together.
With my brother and our tabla accompanist after a successful concert in Chicago. Teamwork is everything in a live performance.
At the airport with my brother, ready to kick off our USA concert tour. Traveling with our sitars is a big part of life as a touring musician.
A family portrait on Gurupoornima with my Baba (father and guru), my brother, and my nephew. My musical lineage and family are the foundation of everything I do.
Another beautiful moment from our Gurupoornima photoshoot, celebrating my father's legacy as a musician and teacher.
About this collection
Travel is a massive part of my life, and keeping delicate instruments like the sitar safe on the road takes experience. Whether I am packing for a tour in the USA or setting up for a local corporate show in Mumbai, I prioritize professional logistics and sound checks so that the performance sounds pure, no matter the venue.
Performing on stage—whether it is a grand concert hall, a corporate event at the Trident, or a private gathering at Soho House—requires more than just playing notes. It requires a deep understanding of the space and the people in it.
My journey has taken me from performing at the NCPA and Kala Ghoda festivals to touring across the USA. These experiences have taught me that music is best when it is collaborative. I rarely perform alone; usually, I am joined by my elder brother Chirag, or my friends from the band 'Urja'. This chemistry on stage creates a dialogue that the audience can feel.
The Importance of Preparation
When you hire a performer, you are not just paying for the ninety minutes on stage. You are paying for the discipline behind the music.
- Logistics & Gear: The sitar is a sensitive instrument. I handle my own equipment with care, and I expect the same level of attention to sound systems and stage monitors at your venue.
- The 'Baithak' Connection: For smaller, private concerts, I prefer the traditional 'baithak' style—floor seating with a warm, personal atmosphere. It allows for closer interaction with the audience, where I can share stories about the raags or explain the compositions.
- Collaborative Sets: Depending on the scale of your event, I can bring in tabla accompanists for classical recitals or a full six-piece band for high-energy fusion sets.
My Baba taught me that music is a lifelong learning process. Whether we are jamming after a show, seeking blessings from legends like Ustad Shahid Parvez ji, or simply sitting down for our daily riyaaz, my goal is always to keep the music honest and rooted in tradition while making it accessible for every listener.
Chintan Katti
I grew up in a home where the sitar was always playing, and today, that music is my life. I love sharing this journey with my elder brother Chirag and our friends, whether we're performing in a concert hall or a small home setting. It is a privilege to bring these sounds to your events.
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