Bio

Satwinder Pal Singh

Satwinder, born on July 12th, 1993, in City Moga, Punjab, began his journey into the world of music at a tender age of 11 under the tutelage of his father, Ustad S. Shaminder Pal Singh. His father, an A-grade Sarangi Player and retired staff artist of All India Radio, Jalandhar, is a disciple of the renowned Sarangi Sammrat Padma Bhushan Ustad Sabri Khan Saheb. Satwinder received intense and refined training in Sarangi and Saranda primarily from his father, drawing upon the rich legacy of his family’s musical heritage. Under his father’s guidance, Satwinder embarked on a journey to master these classical instruments, honing his skills and enriching his understanding of Music.

The musical atmosphere at home played a pivotal role in inspiring Satwinder to earnestly pursue the tradition of performing arts. His first performance was as a vocalist at the age of 5 in the year 1998 at the prestigious Shree Baba Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan in Jalandhar. This early exposure to the stage laid the foundation for his journey into the world of music.

Satwinder with his father Ustad S. Shaminder Pal Singh Ji

Furthermore, Satwinder Pal Singh had the invaluable opportunity to learn techniques directly from his Dada-Guru, Padma Bhushan Ustad Sabri Khan Saheb, during a visit to his residence in New Delhi in 2012. This encounter not only enriched Satwinder’s understanding of music but also provided him with insights into the nuances of the Music from a maestro of the Sarangi. Additionally, Satwinder had the privilege of performing alongside Ustad Sabri Khan Saheb. These experiences undoubtedly contributed to Satwinder’s growth as a musician and enriched his journey in the realm of classical music.

With Ustad Sabri Khan Saheb

At present, Satwinder is continuing his musical journey under the guidance of the esteemed Sarangi Maestro Padma Vibhushan Pandit Ram Narayan Ji, whose mastery in the art form is renowned worldwide. Additionally, he is also receiving instruction from Pandit Ram Narayan Ji’s grandson, Pt. Harsh Narayan, thus benefiting from the rich lineage and expertise passed down through generations in the Narayan family. Under their mentorship, Satwinder is undoubtedly honing his skills and delving deeper into the intricacies of Sarangi performance, enriching his musical repertoire and furthering his proficiency in this classical art form..

With Padama Vibhushan Pandit Ram Narayan Ji

Sarangi Maestro
Pandit Harsh Narayan Ji

Faimly

It sounds like Satwinder’s family has a rich tradition in music, particularly in the Sikh musical heritage of Punjab. With his father, Guru Ustad S. Shaminder Pal Singh, being a renowned musician who elevated the status of various bow instruments like Sarangi, Saranda, Esraj, Dilruba, Taus, and Rabab, their contributions to the musical landscape of Punjab are significant. Being the first A Graded Sikh Sarangi Player adds further prestige to his father’s accomplishments.

S.Shaminder Pal Singh JI

Moreover, the musical lineage extends further back with Satwinder’s grandfather, Late Sardar Harchand Singh, who was notable as a Kirtankaar (one who sings hymns) and a Banjo Player during his era. This suggests a multi-generational commitment to music within the family.

Late S.Harchand Singh Ji

Additionally, it’s fascinating to learn that Satwinder’s younger sister, Parminder Kaur, also follows in the family’s musical footsteps as a vocalist and Sarangi player. This continuation of musical talent across generations speaks to the deep-rooted passion for music within their family.

Satwinder’s marriage to Dr. Karamjeet Kaur, who brings her own passion for music into their relationship alongside her professional expertise as an Occupational Therapist. The fact that she has been interested in music since childhood suggests a shared love for the art form between the couple. Their decision to release a song titled “Ruh Lai Gya” on the day of their marriage is touching and adds a personal and artistic touch to their special day. Choosing a song originally sung by the renowned Ghazal King Ustad Ghulam Ali Khan indicates a reverence for classical music and a desire to incorporate it into their celebration.

Album Cover of ‘Ruh Lai Gya’

Sikh Tradition Instruments

Satwinder has also learned Sikh Tradition Instruments Saranda, Israj, Dilruba and Taus from his father Ustad Shaminder Pal Singh.

Satwinder Playing Tanti Saaz Saranda

Awards:

  • ‘A’ Graded Sarangi Player of All India Radio.
  • Presidential Award in All India Radio Music Competition.
  • Gold Medal in Gurmat Sangeet Partiyogita.
  • Gold Medal In Shree Baba Harivalbh Music Compitition.
  • Five time Gold Medalist in National Youth Festival by AIU.
  • ICMA Appriciation Award by Indian Classical Music Association , San Francisco.

Festivals

Satwinder Pal Singh has had the privilege to perform in prestigious festivals both within India and abroad, including:

  • 115th Nana Panse Sangeet Mahotsav, Damoh , Madh Pradesh.
  • 54th Swami Haridas Sangeet Sammelan, Mumbai.
  • Shree Baba Haribalbh Sangeet Sammelan , Jalandhar, Punjab.
  • Asian Music Festival, Leeds England
  • Shared Value Festival, England
  • String Festival, London
  • Asian Sound Festival, London
  • Adi-Anant with Ustad Zakir Hussain and Students of UAIM at Mumbai and Channai by NCPA Mumbai.
  • Guru Purnima of Ustad Allah Rakha Khan Saheb Organized by Ustad Zakir Hussain and Ustad Fazal Qureshi, Mumbai.
  • Kala Ghoda Festival with Djambe Maestro Ustad Taufiq Qureshi Ji.
  • Uadgam Music Festival with Ustad Fazal Qureshi and Pt.Ravi Chary, Ahmedabad.
  • Carnival Festival, Gwalior, Madh Pradesh.
  • Pt.Narayan Rao Bodas Sangeet Mahotsav, Pune.
  • Bhai Mardana Sangeet Sammela , Auckland, New Zealand.
  • Sur Bahar Festival, Perth , Australia.
  • Sangeet Diwakar Master Ratan Sangeet Sammelan, Phagwara.
  • Sangeet Paratibha, A festival of Young Musicians by Sangeet Natak Academy(Delhi) at Nainital, Utrakhand.
  • Ustad Alla Rakha Sangeet Sammelan, Hushiarpur.