Performer, collaborator, teacher

Upneet Singh has an innate musicality as a Tabla player. Being born into a musical family, he has developed a fine balance between the art of accompaniment and technical skill. Upneet practices the Benares Gharana (style or school) of Tabla, and had the privilege to be trained under the tutelage of the late Pandit Sharda Sahai Ji, which was formally recognised by the initiation ceremony called ‘Ganda Bandan’ with Guruji in 2008. Upneet is now a disciple of Pandit Sanju Sahai Ji who is the 6th generation and torch-bearer of the Benaras Gharana lineage.

Upneet’s journey with Tabla began with his father in the rich musical atmosphere that his home had to offer. Son of the eminent Sitar maestro and visionary, Ustad Dharambir Singh MBE, Upneet has grown up in an environment that has allowed for experiencing many styles of music and interactions with musicians from all over the world. The family home has always been a host to bhaitaks (house concerts) and musicians who have shared their music and knowledge allowing for the development of Upneet’s notable ability to accompany a variety of instrumental and vocal styles. Upneet’s mother, who has been teaching vocal classes, is a key member of the community dedicated to promoting and preserving Indian classical music.

Upneet has performed in a wide range of settings such as concerts, festivals, part of an orchestra and as a recording artist. He has been invited to perform at many prestigious venues and festivals such as BBC WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance) festival, Darbar music festival, Birmingham Symphony Hall, Bridgewater Hall, Kings Place, Queen Elizabeth Hall & Percell Room (Southbank centre), Music port festival, West Yorkshire Playhouse and BBC radio to name just a few. He was also a member of SAMYO (South Asian Music Youth Orchestra) and Tarang, which involved experimenting and collaborating with both North and South styles of Indian Classical music. Internationally, Upneet has performed in India at Shrutinandan, Calcatta and partaken in the Harivallabh music competition of 2006 in Punjab as well as performances in Italy, Spain and Germany. More recently Upneet has been part of an ensemble and debut album ‘Anomaly’, by upcoming sitarist Jasdeep Singh and recorded a performance for the New York Kathak Festival 2020. Whilst Indian Classical Music has come naturally, Upneet has always been excited and interested in working with cross-cultural styles such as jazz and Indo-Irish thus adding to his versatility.

Now based in Leicestershire, alongside his music, Upneet has an engineering degree and is currently working for Jaguar Land Rover. Upneet is continuing to develop his tabla playing with the guidance and blessings of his Guru, Pandit Sanju Sahai Ji and teaches students locally.