Rajib Karmakar

Rajib Karmakar, professionally known as SITARRAJIB, is a celebrated sitarist, composer, and educator based in Los Angeles. Trained in the rich traditions of Indian classical music, Rajib has established a dynamic international career, performing across the globe. His performances have graced prestigious venues and festivals including the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Lincoln Center, Mechanics Hall, Cal Performances, National Arts Center and Straz Center, to name a few. Rajib has collaborated with renowned ensembles such as the Los Angeles Master Chorale, Atlanta Master Chorale, Detroit Symphony, and Spire Ensemble, seamlessly integrating the sitar into Western classical frameworks. His genre- defying work includes collaborations with global artists like Herb Alpert, Beck, Chris Martin of Coldplay, and Sandeep Das, showcasing his versatility and vision for cross-cultural musical exchange. His compositions have been featured by major media houses including Disney, Sony, Universal, and Warner Bros, with soundtrack credits in films like Basmati Blues and Murder Mystery 2. Rajib is also the creator of the Mayur Tantri, the world’s first double-necked electric sitar—a groundbreaking innovation in contemporary string instruments. A committed educator, Rajib holds an MFA in Music from California Institute of the Arts. He serves as the Artistic Director of the Los Angeles International Music and Arts Academy and has held residencies at leading institutions such as Harvard, UCLA, MIT, and Dartmouth, where he champions global music education rooted in heritage, creativity, and innovation.