Hans Utter - Sitarist

(614)-436-0489

The heart of the Indian Classical Music tradition is the knowledge passed down from generation to generation in the vessel of the gharana. Hans Utter has studied intensively in India for the past 9 years in the tradition of the Imdad Khan gharana, passed down for 7 generations, under the tutelage of Ustad Sujaat Khan, son of Ustad Viliyat Khan, the world renowned sitarist. He also holds a degree in sitar from the Benares Hindu University School of Music, where he studied with Dr. Rajman Singh. The style taught by his guru, the gyaki ang, is based on the subtle nuances of vocal music, and brings out the beauty inherent in the raga. He plays in a wide variety of styles, from the traditional khyal based exposition of the raga, to the romantic sounds of thumri and gazal, and folk melodies known as dhuns. Hans has performed in the US, Canada, Europe and India.

Begining on violin at age 5, Hans had an early affinity for music. He soon progressed to Jazz guitar, winning a number of awards including the Louis Armstrong Jazz award, and others. In 1993 he moved to India, where he began his intense commitment to Hindustani music. Studying with the sitar master, Ustad Sujaat Khan, he has immeresed himself in the music. He also plays in the jazz band Utter Space, Mood Swing, and the Turkish group Turkana.