A Living Tradition: Chishty Family Enchants Downtown Los Angeles
By Siraj Khan
Established in 1986, Grand Performances is the longest running presenter of free outdoor concerts, poetry, theater and dance performances in downtown Los Angeles and has continuously enhanced and inspired communal unity, celebrated diversity and embraced the locals through free access to global performing arts.
On July 12, 2025, the Chishty Ensemble of Sacramento, brought the soul of South Asian classical music in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, musically decorating the stage of Grand Performances at California Plaza. As part of the acclaimed Mystical Melodies program jointly organized by the Pakistan Arts Council of USC, one of the cultural highlights of Grand Performances’ tradition since 1987, the ensemble comprised of Shaiq Chishty, his talented daughters Mahrukh, Elham, and Shahrukh, and his granddaughter Kainat Yusufzai, delivered a memorable performance, engaging a multi-generational audience in a welcoming outdoor setting.
After Nausheen Khan’s sizzling introduction had set the tone, the program opened with Mahrukh Chishty on tabla, in a powerful solo that immediately connected with a vibrant audience. Explaining the traditional tabla bols, the rhythmic syllables that distinguish South Asian percussion, she then translated those phrases into intricate beats on the tabla itself, accompanied by the sitar. Her command of rhythm was magnetic, forming an energetic tone that held the crowd in focused silence.
Following this, Elham Chishty took over with the harmonium, from where her sister left, presenting a set of both classical and semi-classical music pieces. Her performance flowed with emotional depth. Elham’s use of dynamics and melodic nuance electrified everyone present, weaving between raga and folk colors with heartfelt passion.
Then came master Shaiq Chishty himself, the family patriarch and an accomplished flutist and the guru (music teacher) to his family, who offered a series of memorable, lyrical melodies drawn from the rich South Asian musical history. The soothing sound emerging from his Bansuri (bamboo flute) was both soft and sensitive, as well as nostalgic and timeless, evoking precious melodies and memories of yesteryears.
The program’s finale was led by Shahrukh Chishty, who began with a classical composition. She then transitioned into a medley of popular regional songs and traditional folk tunes, invoking joy and recognition from the responsive audience. The fusion of structured raga with folk rhythms seemed to touch the inner chords of the crowd present, bringing the entire ensemble alive.
Throughout the performance, Kainat Yusufzai, the youngest member of the Chishty Ensemble, provided support on the Tanpura, her steady drone supporting the melodic and rhythmic flow of the overall presentation around her. Her presence on stage was a reminder of the lineage being preserved and passed on through South Asian traditions.
In totality, this remarkable family brought the timeless spirit of Mughal court music to life through the flute, harmonium, tabla, sitar and the tanpura. Rooted in centuries-old Sufi traditions, their music was both sacred and sensual, a living blend of devotion, heritage, and family artistry, all weaved together musically.
From that perspective alone, the Chishty Family's performance in this summer concert series, orchestrated Grand Performances' vision for showcasing international performing arts, while fostering cross-cultural heritage and community connections, within California and beyond. Their performance served as a reminder to us of the ability of intergenerational art to transform and reflect cultural heritage, building invisible bridges between people and places. A cherished asset to the community, the performance of the Chishty Family will be remembered for years to come.
To close, this memorable performance was conceptualized by Nausheen Khan of Pakistan Arts Council of USC in collaboration with Siraj Khan of Pakistan Association of Greater Boston, Society for Youth and Green Chillies Entertainment of PA, all registered US non-profit organizations, committed to promoting performing arts at all levels.
(Born and raised in Pakistan, Siraj Khan is a finance professional who transitioned from the corporate world to the global nonprofit sector 20 years ago. He runs the O.P. Nayyar Memorial Trust and is recognized for his work in girls’ education, youth development, and arts-based bridge-building particularly between India and Pakistan. Based in Boston, he serves on several non-profit boards worldwide and is a founder member of the Southasia Peace Action Network.)
