Lovers of Indian classical music are in for a treat on June 12 when sitar genius, Ustad Shahid Parvez performs at the Baxter Concert Hall. His three city concert tour titled Two Shades of Raga will see Parvez accompanied on tabla by Akram Khan. The concert is a double bill and also features master flautist Rupak Kulkarni, who will be accompanied on tabla by Anubrata Chatterjee.

Parvez, descends from six generations of sitarists. He is the leading exponent of the Etawah Gharana, a musical tradition or "family" committed to this most famous of Indian instruments. His family has produced some of the most revered and influential figures in North Indian classical music, including the likes of Ustad Sahabdad Khan, Ustad Imdad Khan, Ustad Enayet Khan, Ustad Waheed Khan and his uncle Ustad Vilayat Khan.

Says Parvez, "Rhythm and music is so much a part of the people of South Africa. It will be my pleasure to share our music and the traditions of Indian classical music … with the people of South Africa. I know that there is a large jazz following and audiences in South Africa will be pleased to discover the many similarities between jazz and Indian classical music."

Parvez is the recipient of numerous national and international awards, including the prestigious 2006 Sangeet Natak Academy Award.

His recent concert at the base of the Eiffel Tower drew thousands of people, and he is always a major attraction at South Asian music events like Darbar and the Saptak festival.

With numerous CDs and DVDs, awards and accolades and a distinguished performance career in India and around the world, he is widely recognised as the greatest contemporary performing sitar player.

Inner Circle Entertainment will host Two Shades of Raga.