Maharaj Trio

Maharaj Trio

With exquisite skill and artistry, this charismatic father-and-sons trio from Varanasi breathe joy and vitality into music that dates back thousands of years. Their repertoire of ragas, the heart of their music, comes directly from the ancient Vedic texts. The band has performed at major world music festivals in Europe, Asia, United States, Middle East, Canada, and South America and is empanelled with the I.C.C.R. (Indian Council for Cultural Relations) Ministry of foreign affairs, Government of India.

PANDIT VIKASH MAHARAJ (Sarod Maestro)

In 38 years of a dynamic musical journey, sarod exponent Pandit Vikash Maharaj has performed over 6000+ concerts worldwide and shared the stage with Herbie Hancock, Peter Gabrielle, John McLaughlin, among others and recorded over 150 LPs, CDs and DVDs. He has performed actively at the historic Cologne Cathedral, the Vienna Philharmonie, Berliner Philharmonie, the San Francisco Jazz Festival and many more. A founder of Panchnaad, a music ensemble of five separate musical sounds to develop interest in Indian classical music around the world, he been a Visiting Professor at places such as at the Berklee College of Music, San Diego City College, Bach Music Academy, Cologne Music and Dance University, Mozart Academy of Ancient Music, Vienna Philharmonic’s Department of World Music.

ABHISHEK MAHARAJ (Sitar Player/Vocalist)

An internationally acclaimed sitar player, Abhishek Maharaj received his early education as a vocalist from Guru Sri Jalpa Prasad Mishra (grandson of Bade Ram Das ji) and later shifted to the sitar under his legendary father Pandit Vikash Maharaj of the Maihar Gharana. Abhishek has trained in both Khayal Gayaki and Drupad Ang styles and has a wide understanding of music. Having been a recipient of the blessings of both Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan and his grandfather Padma Vibhushan Pandit Kishan Maharaj, Abhishek has performed at music festivals across the world and in India.

PRABHASH MAHARAJ (Tabla Player)

Internationally renowned and the award-winning Prabhash Maharaj was trained in tabla by legends of the Benares Gharana, such as Pandit Nankhu Maharaj, Padma Vibhushan Pandit Kishan Maharaj and his own father Pandit Vikash Maharaj. In 30 years of his musical career, he has accompanied legends like Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar, Bharat Ratna Pandit Bismillah Khan, Wise Guys, Tom Bailey and others at numerous festivals like the Ganga Mahotsav, Kalidas Sangeet Samaroh, Taj Mahotsav, Jaipur Literature Festival, San Francisco Jazz Festival. In 1998, he founded a band of international musicians called Holiwater to spread awareness and save rivers.