Events

 

Exciting news!

Join us in the beautiful Long Gallery at Forty Hall for an afternoon of poetry and music with Ruth Padel, Maggie Harris and sitar maestro Vijay Jagtap.

This event brings together voices and traditions that show how difference can inspire us and how diversity enriches every artistic moment. The poets will share work that reflects the many ways our stories connect, while the timeless sound of the sitar creates an atmosphere that is both calming and uplifting.

This event offers a rare chance to experience poetry and classical music in perfect harmony. It will be a celebration of beauty, creativity and the strength found in bringing varied expressions together.

Organised in partnership with Enfield Poets and generously supported by Fisher Darville Holdings.

📅 Date: 1st March 2026 Sunday 2-4pm

📍 Venue: Forty Hall Estate, Forty Hill, Enfield.

Bring your friends, family, and anyone who appreciates art and culture. Let’s make it an unforgettable day!

Book tickets

Past Events

  • The Lewes Guitar Festival, Brighton.
  • Victoria & Albert Museum, London.
  • “Don’t Forget Me” Alzheimer’s Society, Imperial College Great Hall, London.
  • Amnesty International UK on Human Rights Day Service. Westminster Abbey, London.
  • Composed music score for the silent film “Throw of Dice” and performed it live in the National Film Theatre, London and for film performances at the Phoenix Leicester, UK.
  • In 1998 I was privileged to perform in Westminster Abbey, London, in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh on the occasion of An Observance for Commonwealth Day. I have the honour of being the first Indian classical artist to ever play in Westminster Abbey, London.
  • BBC Royal Institution Christmas Lectures.
  • BBC TV session for Music Box.
  • BBC Young Musicians ’96 Asian music workshop.
  • BBC TV series called “What’s That Noise”.
  • BBC TV series called “See Hear”.
  • BBC TV series called “The E File”.
  • French Television show “Nulle Part Ailleurs” in Paris.
  • Recorded my own compositions for the popular BBC TV series “Dangerfield”. The series was an international success, and my work as a performer and composer on the “Dangerfield” soundtrack has been heard all over the world.
  • Cambridge University, UK.
  • University of Bristol, UK.
  • Northwood college of Middlesex, London.
  • SOAS (The School of Oriental and African Studies), London.
  • Horniman Museum, London.
  • Hammersmith College, London.
  • City Hall, Tower Bridge, London.
  • Hastings Museum and Art Gallery, Hastings.
  • September 1991 to March 1992 I participated in a documentary made for the Horniman Museum. The documentary was about the Sitar and classical music of India. It explored different aspects of Sitar playing techniques, as well as two performances of Raga (traditional Indian classical music).
  • London Philharmonic Orchestra, “Roots: Classical Fusions Star Songs – Life Song” International Series. 2001/02 Royal Festival Hall, London.
  • Workshop leader for the Barbican Education project “Ocean of Stories” Feb. 2003 Barbican Centre, London.
  • Fusion CD projects: “Sundown at the Coastline” Played in track “Blindfaith”.
  • “Arts in Action” Festival, Oxford.
  • Music workshop & demonstration, Jacqueline Du Pre Music Building, Oxford.
  • Sitar Solo, Pegasus Theatre, Oxford.
  • The Jack Petchey Foundation awards ceremony, London.
  • Concert for NSPCC and Childline, The Pavilion, Richmond.
  • Sitar Concert in St. Hilda’s College. Jacqueline Du Pre Music Building, Oxford.
  • Clonakilty International Guitar Festival, Cork, Ireland (concert tour).
  • Sitar Solo concert, Swiss Cottage, London.
  • Sitar concert at John Lewis Partnership Music Society, London.
  • Young Hearts and Minds performance, London.
  • Esporta Health Club, Chiswick Park, London.
  • The London Marriott, Park Lane, London.
  • Sitar performance at Sawbridgeworth, UK.
  • Sitar performance at Hermes, London.
  • “Harrow’s Heroes” Sitar performance at Elliot Hall, London.
  • Hertford Music Festival, Lecture-Recital featuring the Sitar and Tabla for the first time in the Music Festival. Presented by the Hertford Music Club.
  • “The Fusion Group”, The Jack Petchey Foundation Awards ceremony, London.

Testimonial

" Why I love having harmonium lessons with Guruji (Vijay) is that he is so calm, patient, soft-spoken, and thorough, and you can feel the immense passion and enthusiasm he has for music. I feel great during and after every lesson and have already learnt so much in just a few lessons"
5
Jatin
Jatin London

“Learning to play the harmonium has been a childhood dream of mine, and it is finally coming true after joining Jagtap Sir’s classes. His unique teaching style ignites enthusiasm in me, deepening my passion and willingness to learn. Every session feels like a mindfulness practice, helping me unwind despite my demanding work schedule. I feel truly blessed to have him as my guru.”

5
Dr Pandya, Radiologist, England
Thank you for all your invaluable lessons. I totally enjoyed learning and performing my Tabla skills in various performances. Thanks for being my favorite music teacher. I will miss you!
5
Laxman
London
Thank you for the invaluable Riyaz session today. I am very happy to have attended as it inspires me to practice and play today. Best wishes.
5
Maya
London
Incredible sitar playing. I love the sensitivity of your playing, and I would love to come and watch you play very much. Please let me know the next time you’re performing
5
Colin Gall, London
London

"Mr. Jagtap is a true diamond! I am SO delighted to have met him. I am taking Sitar lessons and am truly enjoying every session. He is genuinely professional in many Indian instruments including my favorite Sitar. His teaching method is really excellent, I learned the basics in a couple of sessions! I’m so grateful for his kindness!"

5
Sarwar Haidari
Engineer UK

“Learning under Guru Shri Vijay Jagtap has been truly rewarding. He is a skilled, patient, and thoughtful teacher—his measured approach and encouragement make all the difference. As a therapist, I find that playing the tabla offers a playful, embodied complement to my work. I feel lucky to have found such a great teacher.”

5
Sandeep, Psychotherapist, London
My 10-year-old daughter and I have been learning Sitar from Pandit Vijay Jagtap since November last year. From the very first lesson, we both came away feeling very peaceful.  He’s kind, tolerant, patient, cultured, expert in his field and enjoys what he teaches. As for myself, have learnt a lot more in the last few months with Pandit Vijay Jagtap. I would most definitely recommend this teacher. We are both really enjoying our lessons… so much so that I’m waiting for my next child to be old enough to learn from him too!
5
Vrinda Kishori
London
As an adult beginner, I was rather apprehensive about learning the Harmonium. However, I have found Vijay’s style of teaching to be most empowering. His instructions are always very clear and easy to understand, making the learning process far less daunting and enjoyable than I had expected. Thanks to Vijay Ji’s expertise.
5
Keith
UK
I have learned a great deal in a short period of time. This has boosted my confidence and I now feel able to develop my skills further with his help.
5
Keith C.
England
Vijay is an excellent teacher and great artist, and I was impressed by his style of teaching
5
Prachi
Ipswich, Suffolk, England
Learning to play the Sitar from Guruji has been one of the most rewarding aspects in my life. Now my son has also started to learn to play the Sitar from Guruji
5
Bimal
London
Vijay Bhai is the most amazing person/guru I have ever known. The way he teaches the Sitar is beautiful, and very calming and easy to understand. Each process is taught so well. I feel so lucky to have him teach me!”
5
Priya
London
Vijay is one of the best teachers I have ever had. He has a deep-rooted understanding of every aspect of Sitar music which he offers generously to all his students
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"I am eternally grateful to Guruji for his patience, dedication, and unwavering support in guiding me on my musical journey.”

5
Krish Vasudevan
Software engineer, Bushey, England
I found the first lesson very relaxed and focused. The teaching style was friendly and I was very pleased to have been able to learn a scale within the first session
5
Gurpreet G
Medical Professional, Cambridge, England
Vijay is a committed artist who infuses sheer magic in his performance and mesmerises listeners with his beautiful compositions
5
Narendra Kumar
England
I am very happy that I found Vijayji. Guruji teaches in a way which is clear and understandable for the student. His lessons are very informative and enjoyable.
5
Dr Ashwin
England

We thank you for the music you played 'for us'. How truly delightful it was and it was a magical moment for us to hear it.

5
Mike and Lynda
England

Ustaadji's level of teaching is not only deeply personalised, but rigorous and rewarding. Ustaadji is kind, constructive and patient. Cannot recommend enough!

5
Zubair
USA
One of the most highly acclaimed British-based Sitar artists. He is renowned for both his technical excellence and brilliance on strings
5
Swarupam,
London, England
I regularly attend the weekly online Riyaz group class, and I have seen a huge improvement in my learning and understanding of various techniques
5
Tehreem Atif
Product manager, London

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