Baluji Shrivastav OBE

Baluji Shrivastav OBE is one of the greatest instrumentalists India has produced excelling in sitar, surbahar, dilruba, pakhavaj and tabla. The outstanding characteristic of Baluji’s musical career is his versatility. His ability to concentrate on sound as his primary mode of interaction with the world has enriched his musicality and his courageous attitude to life is reflected in his approach to music.

Firmly established in the Hindustani classical tradition he delights in exploring music in all its forms, entertaining the world at the closing ceremony of 2012 Paralympic Games with Chris Martin and Coldplay. He composes for film, dance, theatre and original works for Western orchestra and Indian ensembles. He is “sitarist to the stars”- Evening Standard - recording with Massive Attack, Madness, Doves, Amorphous Androgynous, and performing with great artists such as Stevie Wonder  He has his own Jazz ensemble Jazz Orient/Re-Orient and has recorded several albums.

Baluji was awarded the OBE for services to music and as founder of Inner Vision Orchestra. He received the GG2 award for “overcoming adversity”, the Jewel of India “Hind Rattan” from the Indian Government “for exceptional services both national and international to mankind” by The World Peace & Prosperity Foundation at the House of Lords and NRI (Non-Resident Indian) of the Year for Culture 2017 from Times of India. Recently elected to be on the Musicians Union Equality Committee.