On the magical night of May 31, 2025, the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts in Schaumburg, Illinois, transformed into a haven of emotionally charged and spiritually rich melodies. The centerpiece of the evening was none other than the celebrated Hindustani classical vocalist Ustad Ghulam Abbas Khan, who headlined a four-hour musical spectacle titled Soulful Classical, Sufi & Ghazals. The event, orchestrated by Khurram Syed under DK Omsheel Production and supported by Chicago’s prominent community figure Mr. Iftekhar Sharif—the first Overseas Citizen of India—drew music enthusiasts from far and wide for an immersive musical experience that lasted from 8:00 PM until midnight.
Serving as a cultural showcase and tribute to the enduring legacy of Indian classical music, the event harmonized tradition with emotional storytelling. Anchoring the evening was the eloquent Amin Haider, whose articulate hosting and thoughtful commentary added significant depth to the program. Haider’s narration was not just informative but evocative, highlighting several memorable moments from Ustad Ghulam Abbas Khan’s life and career. A particularly striking story he shared revolved around a young Ghulam Abbas, only 16 at the time, who had to perform Hindustani classical music at Delhi’s Daulat Ram College—a genre then unfamiliar to him. Despite his lack of experience, the young artist impressed none other than Pandit Debu Chaudhary. So captivated was the maestro that he interrupted the concert to tune the tanpura himself, allowing Ghulam Abbas to shine at his best. As Haider described, this story was emblematic of “the resilience and passion of a maestro whose name is synonymous with excellence.”
A direct musical descendant of the Rampur-Sahaswan Gharana, Ustad Ghulam Abbas Khan brought to the stage a
performance that was as spiritually uplifting as it was technically flawless. He seamlessly navigated an array of musical forms, from khayal and thumri to dadra, Sufi kalams, bhajans, and ghazals. Audiences were deeply moved by his performance of Raga Puriya Kalyan and original and traditional bandishes like “More Ghar Aaja” and “Ab To Tumhi Sang Lagan Lagai.” His ability to infuse these centuries-old compositions with fresh emotion and contemporary nuance was nothing short of mesmerizing. The performance bore the unmistakable imprint of his artistic lineage—being the son of Padmashri Ustad Ghulam Sadiq Khan, and the maternal grandson of Padmabhushan Ustad Mushtaq Husain Khan.
Adding a local flavor to the evening, Chicago-based vocalist Payel Ganguly gave a brief yet impactful performance that paid homage to the same musical traditions Ustad Ghulam Abbas embodies. Her rendition was heartfelt and authentic, resonating powerfully with the audience. The crowd responded with enthusiastic applause, affirming her rising status in the realm of classical music.
The richness of the vocal performances was amplified by a superb musical ensemble. Shehzad Marcus brought depth to the evening with his expert handling of the keyboard, weaving melodies that perfectly complemented the vocals. Meanwhile, young tabla virtuoso Abhijeet
Kastha delivered a stunning rhythmic performance, displaying a maturity and finesse that belied his age. His intricate patterns and subtle flourishes aligned flawlessly with the vocal cadences, creating a musical dialogue that captivated listeners throughout the night.
The event also drew the presence of several notable guests, further elevating its stature. Among the dignitaries were Nayab Hamid Ali Khan, son of the illustrious Ustad Hamid Ali Khan, and respected community figures including Paul Chopra, Ramesh Punatar, Chris Veteran, and Syed Razi. Veterans of the US and Indian Army were also in attendance, 
emphasizing the evening’s significance as a unifying cultural moment for the South Asian community in Chicago. Though Mr. Iftekhar Sharif, the designated chief guest, was unable to attend due to unforeseen scheduling issues, the event was graced by the esteemed ghazal singer Amir Mohammed Khan, who appeared as the Guest of Honor.
Beyond being a musical performance, Ustad Ghulam Abbas Khan’s presence on stage symbolized a rich cultural heritage that spans continents. With over 15 albums to his credit, the Ustad has performed on some of the most prestigious stages around the globe—including in the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Thailand, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Oman. His global influence
and contributions to Hindustani classical music have earned him several prestigious honors. These include the Central Fellowship Award from India’s Ministry of Culture, the Global Achievement Award in 2017, and the Dr. Radhakrishnan Award in 2018. One of the pinnacles of his career was a performance at the President’s House during the tenure of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam—an event that remains a highlight in his professional journey.
The success of the evening was bolstered by the generosity and support of key sponsors and partners. Masood Ali of 
Ali’s Catering ensured that guests were well-fed, while Ena Agnihotri of the Radisson Hotel in Schaumburg provided additional hospitality support. Other significant contributors included the Urdu Institute and Aftab Baig of Monty’s Banquet. Their collective efforts helped transform the evening into more than just a concert—it became a holistic celebration of culture, heritage, and music.
Soulful Classical, Sufi & Ghazals was not merely a concert but a cultural landmark that paid homage to the legacy of Hindustani classical music and its contemporary torchbearers. Through the stellar performances of Ustad Ghulam Abbas Khan, Payel Ganguly, and the supporting artists, the event showcased the power of music to transcend borders, generations, and traditions. In the words of Amin Haider, the evening stood as a “celebration of a legacy that continues to inspire and elevate.”