Biography

Born on a canvas of vibrant culture, Bijay Shrestha entered the world on an unassuming day, a moment that would soon set the stage for a remarkable journey. Growing up in Kathmandu Nepal, he was infused with a rich tapestry of experiences, striking a careful balance between tradition and modernity. Bijay's early years were spent navigating the complexities of a multicultural environment, where curiosity met creativity, laying the groundwork for the innovative mind he would one day become.

Bijay Shrestha is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist and rising global ambassador of Hindustani classical music, known for his rare ability to perform both sitar and tabla at a professional level. His artistry blends deep traditional training with a bold, contemporary spirit, creating musical experiences that are meditative, energizing, and emotionally transformative. At the heart of his work is a commitment to mental health, intercultural understanding, and empowering youth through the healing power of sound.

Bijay has collaborated and performed with some of the most respected figures in the world of Indian classical and world music, including Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Pandit Anindo Chatterjee, and Pandit Indrajit Banerjee. His work can be heard on several critically acclaimed recordings, such as Maestro Duets on Sarod, Moods of Meed, and Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia Live in Nepal. He has graced stages and festivals across Nepal, Canada, and the United States, sharing the universal language of ragas and rhythms with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

In recent years, Bijay has been actively expanding his musical vision in North America, especially from his current base in Colorado. He has performed at venues including the University of Denver, St. Francis Xavier University (Canada), and events like Nepali Jatra (supported by the City of Longmont) and concerts organized by the Jayshree Music Society. His unique approach to blending Hindustani classical tradition with global influences makes him a sought-after collaborator for cross-genre projects, workshops, and cultural festivals.

Roots in Tradition

Bijay was born into a lineage of musicians in Kathmandu, Nepal, and raised in an environment steeped in the rhythms and melodies of classical music. He is the son of Tabla Maestro Rabin Lal Shrestha and sitarist Bina Shrestha—two figures who deeply shaped his musical worldview. From a young age, Bijay trained intensively under his father’s tutelage, completing a master’s degree in tabla by the age of 18—a rare achievement that reflects both his discipline and innate musicality.

Driven by a desire to explore both rhythmic and melodic dimensions of music, Bijay later turned to the sitar, training under Sitar Maestra Uma Thapa. His dual mastery of tabla and sitar sets him apart as a versatile artist who embodies both the precision of rhythm and the poetry of melody, bringing an exceptional depth to his performances.

Vision and Mission

Bijay sees music not only as a performing art but as a vehicle for healing, cultural connection, and social awareness. He curates workshops and collaborative projects that address mental health, identity, and cultural heritage, particularly aimed at inspiring younger audiences and global listeners who may be encountering classical South Asian music for the first time.

His upcoming projects include a genre-crossing debut solo album that blends Hindustani classical music with global styles, featuring artists from diverse traditions. The album will serve as a musical conversation between cultures, aiming to build empathy and curiosity through sound. Bijay is also developing educational residencies and performance programs for universities and arts organizations, helping students and communities experience the power of raga and tala as both tradition and living art.

Performance Highlights

• Featured performer with Pt. Anindo Chatterjee at University of Denver

• Workshop and concert residency at STFX Department of Music, Canada

• Collaborative performance with faculty artists at St. Francis Xavier University

• Concert at Nepali Jatra, supported by the City of Longmont, Colorado

• Recitals and workshops across Denver, Boulder, and Kathmandu

Bijay Shrestha continues to build bridges between East and West, past and future, inner and outer worlds—one note at a time.