Internationally acclaimed young sitar virtuoso Rishab Rikhiram Sharma has announced the Asia leg of his globally celebrated Sitar for Mental Health Tour 2026. The regional edition will open with his Singapore debut on 25 January 2026 at the iconic Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, followed by his Dubai debut on 31 January 2026 at the Coca-Cola Arena.
The one-night-only Singapore showcase marks a significant cultural milestone for the region, offering audiences an immersive evening where Indian neo-classical music, mindfulness, and emotional well-being converge. Promoted and produced by Thrive Live Events and Ava Events, the concert will take place at Esplanade’s prestigious concert hall—renowned for hosting international titles such as We Will Rock You and Avenue Q. As one of Singapore’s most recognisable arts landmarks, the Esplanade’s commitment to cultural diversity and artistic excellence makes it an apt venue for Sharma’s visionary performance.
Singapore audiences will experience Sitar for Mental Health for the first time. The tour, which has travelled across the United States, Europe, India, and the United Kingdom, has earned widespread praise for its mission to encourage meaningful dialogue around mental well-being. Designed as a multi-sensory journey, the concert blends classical ragas, improvisational elements, cross-genre soundscapes, and guided mindfulness to create a contemporary and contemplative musical experience. Positioned at the intersection of art and wellness, the performance welcomes cultural connoisseurs, expatriates, wellness communities, and Singapore’s cosmopolitan audiences alike.
As the last and youngest disciple of the legendary Pandit Ravi Shankar, Sharma is widely recognised as one of the most promising torchbearers of the sitar today. His artistic style fuses ancient tradition with a modern sensibility that resonates deeply with younger global audiences.
Reflecting on his upcoming debut, Rishab shared, “It is a privilege to share Sitar for Mental Health with Singapore—a city that celebrates art with sincerity. This experience is more than a concert; it is an invitation to pause, breathe, and find stillness in a world that rarely slows down. This concert is deeply personal to me, born from my own search for balance, grounding, and emotional clarity. To bring it to Singapore—a place that embraces culture so wholeheartedly—is incredibly meaningful. I hope the music offers a moment of comfort, healing, and connection for everyone who joins us.”
Gagan Takyar, Founder of Thrive Live Events, and Ashima Jain, Founder of Ava Events, noted the cultural significance of bringing this concert to Singapore. In a joint statement, they said, “At Thrive Live Events and AVA Events, we believe in shaping the future of live entertainment in South East Asia and the UAE by bringing exceptional and transformative artistic experiences to the region. Having delivered landmark, sold-out shows with icons such as Satinder Sartaaj, Gurdas Maan, Atif Aslam, and Sonu Nigam across major cities, we remain committed to raising the bar with Rishab Rikhiram Sharma. Our focus is to craft bespoke experiences; cultivate cultural appreciation and build meaningful connections between audiences and the artists they admire.”
Pre-registrations for tickets will open on 25 November 2025 at 10:00 AM SST for 48 hours, followed by a 24-hour early bird sale on 28 November 2025 at 10:00 AM SST. General ticket sales will begin on 30 November 2025 at 10:00 AM SST.
Tickets, priced between SGD 98 and SGD 299, will be available exclusively through Sistic, and later via Esplanade.com once general sales commence. Ticket holders will also have the option to purchase a limited meet-and-greet add-on with Sharma for SGD 99, offering fans a rare opportunity to meet the artist.
Rishab’s landmark Singapore debut is poised to be one of the most anticipated cultural events of 2026—an evening that unites music, mindfulness, and community in a celebration of artistic expression and emotional well-being.
