Grammy-Winning Sarod Maestros Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash Enthral Audiences at Sold-Out Concert at London’s Barbican Centre

The brothers delivered a memorable performance as the closing concert of the 21st Darbar Festival, with celebrated sitarist Anoushka Shankar among those in attendance

London: Celebrated sarod maestros and Grammy Award-winning brothers Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash captivated a packed audience at London’s iconic Barbican Centre with a sold-out concert yesterday, bringing the timeless beauty and richness of Indian classical music to one of the city’s most prestigious cultural venues. Presented as the closing concert of the 21st Darbar Festival, the performance was a fitting celebration of India’s extraordinary classical heritage and the enduring musical legacy of the Senia Bangash gharana, spanning seven generations.

Representing an illustrious musical lineage, the brothers enthralled audiences with their remarkable virtuosity, musical synergy and deeply evocative renditions. Their performance reflected both the depth of the Indian classical tradition and their distinctive musical identities, while showcasing the extraordinary chemistry they share as brothers and musical collaborators. Celebrated sitarist Anoushka Shankar was also among the distinguished attendees at the evening.

Speaking about the performance, Amaan Ali Bangash said, “Performing at the iconic Barbican Centre in London was a truly special and deeply meaningful experience for us. The United Kingdom has always shared a very special place in our musical journey. Over the years, we have had the great honour of performing for His Majesty King Charles on numerous occasions, and have cherished a longstanding association with British audiences and its wonderful musical heritage.”

Ayaan Ali Bangash added, “Our recent collaborations with British artists, including the legendary Gorillaz and Yungblud, have opened exciting new musical horizons for us in the UK, reaffirming that music transcends boundaries, generations and genres. Returning to London and performing at the Barbican was therefore much more than just another concert; it was a celebration of friendships, shared musical histories and the beautiful possibilities of cultural exchange. We are deeply grateful to the Barbican Centre and everyone who made this evening so memorable.”

The sold-out performance marked another significant milestone in the musical journey of the Bangash brothers, reaffirming the global resonance of Indian classical music and its ability to connect audiences across cultures and generations.