Satwinder Pal Singh – Sarangi Player

Early Life & Musical Journey

Satwinder Pal Singh‘s musical journey began at the age of 11 under the tutelage of his father, Ustad S. Shaminder Pal Singh, an Top-grade Sarangi player and retired staff artist of All India Radio, Jalandhar. His father is a disciple of the legendary Padma Bhushan Ustad Sabri Khan Saheb, the Sarangi Sammrat. Drawing upon the rich legacy of his family’s musical heritage, Satwinder received intense training in Sarangi, Saranda and Vocal from his father, mastering these classical instruments.
Growing up in a musical atmosphere, Satwinder’s first public performance was at the age of 5 as a vocalist at the prestigious Shree Baba Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan in Jalandhar in 1998. This early exposure laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to music.

In 2012, Satwinder had the rare opportunity to learn directly from his Dada-Guru, Padma Bhushan Ustad Sabri Khan Saheb, during a visit to his residence in New Delhi. He also had the privilege of performing alongside Ustad Sabri Khan Saheb, which further enriched his musical journey.

Satwinder Pal Singh has had the esteemed opportunity to learn under the mentorship of Padma Vibhushan Pandit Ram Narayan Ji, one of the greatest Sarangi maestros in the world. This opportunity allows him to deepen his knowledge of the Sarangi, a prestigious classical instrument. Additionally, Satwinder is also receiving instruction from Pandit Harsh Narayan, the grandson of Pandit Ram Narayan Ji, benefiting from their rich family lineage and profound expertise in Sarangi performance. Under their guidance, Satwinder is continuously refining his skills, delving deeper into the intricate nuances of Sarangi, and enriching his musical repertoire.

*With Padama Vibhushan Pandit Ram Narayan Ji*

Family Legacy in Music

Satwinder comes from a rich musical background. His father, Ustad Shaminder Pal Singh, is renowned for his work with various bow instruments like Sarangi, Saranda, Esraj, Dilruba, Taus, and Rabab, further elevating the status of these instruments in the Sikh musical tradition. His father’s contributions to classical music have earned him recognition as the first Top Graded Sikh Sarangi Player and first ever graded Saranda(Sarinda) Player in the history of Indian Classical Music and Gurmat Sangeet.

*Satwinder with his father Ustad S. Shaminder Pal Singh Ji*

Satwinder’s grandfather, Late Sardar Harchand Singh, was a notable Kirtankaar (singer of hymns) and a Banjo Player. This multi-generational commitment to music has shaped Satwinder’s passion and pursuit of classical music.

Satwinder Pal Singh, along with his father Ustad Shaminder Pal Singh, holds the historic honor of being the first-ever Top Grade awardee Sarangi players in the entire Sikh Panth across the world. Carrying forward a rich legacy of tradition, devotion, and artistry, they have set a milestone in the world of Indian classical music, bringing pride to the Sikh community at large. Their journey not only reflects unparalleled mastery over the Sarangi but also a deep commitment to preserving and promoting this rare and soulful instrument.

Sikh Traditional Music Instrument

In addition to Sarangi, Satwinder has also learned various Sikh Traditional Instruments,
including:
• Saranda
• Israj
• Dilruba
• Taus
These instruments were taught to him by his father, Ustad Shaminder Pal Singh.

Awards & Recognition

Satwinder has received several prestigious awards for his musical talent and contributions:

• Youngest ‘Top Garde’ Sarangi Player

• ‘A’ Graded Sarangi Player at All India Radio

• Presidential Award in All India Radio Music Competition

• Gold Medal in Gurmat Sangeet Partiyogita

• Gold Medal in Shree Baba Harivallabh Music Competition

• Five-time Gold Medalist in National Youth Festival by AIU

• ICMA Appreciation Award by Indian Classical Music Association, San Francisco

Prestigious Performance

Satwinder Pal Singh has been featured at numerous prestigious music festivals across India and internationally, including in countries such as New Zealand, Australia, England, and many others. He has captivated audiences both as a solo performer and as an accompanist alongside some of the most celebrated maestros in the world of music.

• 115th Nana Panse Sangeet Mahotsav, Damoh, Madhya Pradesh

• 54th Swami Haridas Sangeet Sammelan, Mumbai

• Shree Baba Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan, Jalandhar, Punjab

• Asian Music Festival, Leeds, England

• Shared Value Festival, England

• String Festival, London

• Asian Sound Festival, London

• Adi-Anant Festival with Ustad Zakir Hussain and Students of UAIM, Mumbai and Chennai

(NCPA Mumbai)

• Guru Purnima of Ustad Allah Rakha Khan Saheb, Mumbai (organized by Ustad Zakir

Hussain and Ustad Fazal Qureshi)

• Kala Ghoda Festival with Djembe Maestro Ustad Taufiq Qureshi Ji

• Uadgam Music Festival with Ustad Fazal Qureshi and Pt. Ravi Chary, Ahmedabad

• Carnival Festival, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

• Bhai Mardana Sangeet Sammelan, Auckland, New Zealand

• Sur Bahar Music Conference, Perth, Australia

• Sangeet Diwakar Master Ratan Sangeet Sammelan, Phagwara

• Sangeet Paratibha (Festival of Young Musicians) by Sangeet Natak Academy at Nainital, Uttarakhand

• Ustad Alla Rakha Sangeet Sammelan, Hushiarpur

• Raga With Soul- Darbar Festival, London & Leicester.

• Pandit Narayan Rao Bodas Sangeet Sammelan, Pune.

Collaborations with Esteemed Musicians

• Padma Bhushan Ustad Sabri Khan

• Padam Vibushan Ustad Zakir Hussain

• Ustad Taufiq Qureshi

• Ustad Fazal Qureshi

• Pandit Ravi Chary (Sitar Maestro)

• Smt. Anuradha Pal

• Vidhushi Sanhita Nandi

• Ustad Sukhwinder Singh Namdhari (Pinky)

• Kashyap Bandhu

• Vidhushi Sunanda Sharma

• Ustad Shafqat Ali Khan

• Pandit Yogesh Samsi

• Ustad Akram Khan

• Pt. Sanju Sahai

• Ustad Shahbaz Hussain

• Pandit Santosh Kumar Nahar (Violin Maestro)

• Pandit Navin Sharma

These collaborations have allowed Satwinder to showcase his talents while enriching his musical experience by sharing the stage with these luminaries.

Contribution in Bollywood & Pollywood

In addition to live performances, Satwinder has contributed to background scores and compositions for Bollywood and Pollywood movies, Animation Movies, singles and web series. His expertise in Sarangi has played a key role in enhancing the musical quality of various projects in the entertainment industry such as:

Discography: