Gurdain Rayatt

Gurdain Rayatt is a UK-born tabla player recognised as one of Europe’s leading artists, blending traditions of the Benares, Punjab and Farukhabad gharanas. Trained by his grandfather Bhai Gurmit Singh Virdee and father Ustad Harkirat Rayatt, he later studied with Pandit Shankar Ghosh and continues his talim under Pandit Yogesh Samsi. He has performed with maestros including Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Ustad Shahid Parvez, Pandit Birju Maharaj, Niladri Kumar and Anoushka Shankar, appearing at major venues including Royal Albert Hall, Southbank Centre, Abbey Road Studios and Glasshouse International Centre for Music (Sage). His collaborations span diverse projects with Soumik Datta, Kefaya, Michael Messer’s Mitra and Pagrav Dance Company, bringing tabla into contemporary, cross-cultural and dance contexts. Gurdain also maintains a long association with the Darbar Festival, honouring his family’s legacy.