Ilyas Nadjafi

An artist of oriental vocal music: Dhrupad (Indian classical music) and Sufi

music (Urdu and Persian tradition).

Graduated from Codarts, Rotterdam Conservatory in Dhrupad (2010-2017).

Received institutional training of the theoretical and practical aspects of

Dhrupad tradition from the faculty members of the institute for seven years.

Advance training in the field of Dhrupad singing is continued under the able

guidance of the eminent Dhrupad maestro, Pandit Nirmalya Dey since 2014.

The present training under the master has engaged my scholarship to

understand the subtle nuances of the art of Dhrupad, which is the core of

Indian classical music. The rigorous training under the master has helped me

develop the quality of voice to be able to project appropriate intonation with

sonorous and subtle sound; understanding about exploring the Ragas (the

basic musical modes of Indian classical music) in an experiential manner,

imbibing the knowledge of the techniques and artistry of Dhrupad. Learning

the rich textual contents of the tradition, the art of presenting the song-texts

and improvisation with extempore myriad melodic and rhythmic structures has

endowed my music with the highest quality of excellence. Performing in India

and Europe as a solo artist and as a vocal accompanist with my Master Pandit

Dey.

As a person of Persian origin, I have also developed the singing of Urdu and

Persian music belonging to Sufi tradition, which is widely acclaimed by the

music lovers.