Internationally acclaimed Indian sitarist Rishab Rikhiram Sharma will bring his celebrated Sitar for Mental Health live experience to Australia for two special performances in January 2027.
Presented by TEG Live, the Australian tour will feature a performance at the Sydney Opera House on Friday, 22 January, as part of Sydney Festival, followed by a show at Festival Hall in Melbourne on Saturday, 23 January.
The two performances will give Australian audiences an opportunity to experience Sharma’s distinctive blend of Indian classical music, contemporary musical influences and a message promoting mental health awareness.
From Indian Classical Music Heritage to International Recognition
Born into India’s renowned Rikhi Ram family of instrument makers, Sharma grew up surrounded by the traditions of the sitar.
His early musical development was shaped by his father, master luthier Sanjay Sharma, and the guidance of legendary Indian musician Pandit Ravi Shankar. Often described as Ravi Shankar’s last disciple, Sharma has emerged as one of the leading contemporary voices of the sitar.
His international career includes performances at the White House and before more than 60,000 people at Houston’s NRG Stadium.
He has also performed at London’s Royal Albert Hall, where he appeared on 1 October 2026, with upcoming performances scheduled at New York’s Carnegie Hall and Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena.
Sitar for Mental Health: A Personal Journey
The Sitar for Mental Health initiative has its origins in Sharma’s personal experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he faced anxiety and depression.
He turned to the sitar as a source of comfort and emotional expression. What began as a personal refuge gradually developed into an international project using music to encourage conversations about mental health and create opportunities for reflection and connection.
The experience combines centuries of Indian classical musical tradition with a contemporary live setting. Through expressive sitar performances, intricate melodies and a contemplative atmosphere, Sharma invites audiences to slow down and connect with the emotional depth of music.
The project also reflects his commitment to preserving the heritage of the sitar while making Indian classical music accessible to younger and international audiences.
Landmark India Tour Reaches More Than 100,000 Fans
The growing reach of Sitar for Mental Health was demonstrated during Sharma’s 10-city India tour in 2026, which attracted more than 100,000 fans.
The tour visited Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, New Delhi and Kolkata.
The performances highlighted the growing connection between Indian classical music, cultural identity and conversations about mental wellbeing among a new generation of listeners.
Australian Tour Dates and Ticket Information
Australian audiences will have two opportunities to experience Sharma’s live performance in January 2027.
- Sydney: Friday, 22 January 2027 – Sydney Opera House, as part of Sydney Festival.
- Melbourne: Saturday, 23 January 2027 – Festival Hall.
General public tickets will go on sale on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, at 11am AEDT.
For further information, visit TEG Live.
