If you’re planning an event and want something genuinely memorable, hiring a sitarist in Sydney (or one who can travel around NSW) can instantly elevate the atmosphere. The sitar brings a rare mix of elegance, cultural depth, and timeless beauty, whether you’re hosting a wedding, corporate event, private celebration, or cultural festival.

This guide will help you understand what to expect when booking a sitar player, what questions to ask, and how to ensure the performance suits your event perfectly.

Why Hire a Sitarist for Your Sydney Event?

Sydney is a city that celebrates culture, creativity, and unique experiences. A live sitar performance offers something that typical event music often can’t: a sense of story, sophistication, and emotion.

The sitar is widely associated with Indian classical music, but it has also become a powerful instrument in modern contexts, from ambient and cinematic soundscapes to fusion, jazz, and electronic collaborations.

Hiring a sitarist is ideal if you want:

• A calm and premium atmosphere during guest arrival

• A meaningful cultural element for a wedding or ceremony

• A standout feature act for a corporate function

• Something unique and visually impressive for a luxury event

What Types of Events Suit a Sitarist?

A professional sitarist in Sydney can adapt to many settings, including:

Weddings

Sitar music is perfect for:

• guest arrival & pre-event entertainment

• ceremony entrances

• signing of the register

• cocktail hour

• reception ambience

The sound of sitar pairs beautifully with outdoor gardens, waterfront venues, and luxury indoor spaces.

Corporate Events

Corporate functions often aim for a “premium but relaxed” atmosphere. A sitar performance can create a unique background experience that feels refined, global, and memorable without being overpowering.

Private Parties and Milestone Celebrations

If you’re hosting a birthday, engagement, or intimate dinner, sitar music creates a warm and elevated environment. It also becomes a conversation starter as guests are instantly intrigued.

Cultural Festivals and Community Events

Sitar is a perfect fit for multicultural events, and council events across Sydney.

Yoga, Wellness and Meditation Events

Sitar can create a deeply calming soundscape that supports mindfulness and relaxation. Many wellness organisers book sitar performances for:

• yoga sessions

• breathwork events

• meditation evenings

What Does a Sitarist Actually Play?

Many people assume sitar is only traditional Indian classical music. In reality, a modern sitarist can offer several styles depending on the event vibe.

A sitar performance can include:

• Indian classical ragas (traditional, meditative, powerful)

• fusion and contemporary arrangements

• cinematic / ambient improvisation

• collaborations with tabla, percussion, or DJs

• custom pieces for weddings or ceremonies

If you’re unsure what suits your event, a professional sitarist will guide you toward the right sound and structure.

How Long Should You Book a Sitarist For?

Most bookings in Sydney fall into these categories:

• 20 - 40 minutes: feature performance set

• 60 minutes: ideal for ceremony + guest arrival

• 2–3 hours: full weddings and corporate functions (often split into multiple sets)

What Questions Should You Ask Before Booking?

To ensure a smooth experience, ask your sitarist:

1. Can you perform outdoors?

Outdoor performances are common in Sydney, but sitars are delicate instruments and must be protected from direct sun, moisture, and wind.

A shaded area or cover is usually essential.

2. Do you bring your own sound system?

Many sitarists can perform acoustically for small spaces, but for larger venues a PA system is recommended.

A professional performer will advise what’s needed depending on:

• guest count

• venue acoustics

• indoor vs outdoor setup

Your sitarist should be able to provide the appropriate amplification and a portable option for amplification to make the event seamless and stress-free

3. What repertoire do you offer?

Ask whether they specialise in:

• classical Indian sitar

• fusion

• ambient background music

• covers of Taylor Swift songs

• custom songs

A good sitarist should be able to tailor the performance to the mood of the event.

4. Do you collaborate with other musicians?

Some sitarists can perform with:

• tabla

• flute

• violin

• double bass

• piano

• vocalists

• DJs

If you want a larger impact, this can turn the sitar into a full performance experience.

5. What setup time do you need?

Typically, a sitarist will need at least 10 minutes to tune, soundcheck, and settle into the space. The sitar is highly sensitive to temperature changes, so setup time matters.

What Does It Cost to Hire a Sitarist in Sydney?

Pricing depends on:

• performance duration

• travel

• whether sound equipment is included

• whether additional musicians are booked

• whether the event is a wedding, corporate function, or festival

As a general guide, professional sitarists in Sydney are priced similarly to premium live musicians. If someone is charging extremely low rates, it may reflect limited experience, lack of equipment, or lack of professionalism.

The right performer is not just providing music, they are providing reliability, presentation, and atmosphere.

Choosing the Right Sitarist (What to Look For)

When comparing sitarists in Sydney, look for:

Strong Performance Presence

The sitar is both a musical and visual instrument. A great sitarist creates an experience, not just background noise.

High-Quality Audio and Video Samples

A professional sitarist should have:

• clear performance videos

• professional recordings

• examples of different moods/styles

Professionalism and Communication

The booking process should feel smooth. The best performers will ask the right questions, respond quickly, and make planning easier.

Ability to Adapt to the Event

A wedding ceremony requires sensitivity and timing. A corporate event requires polish and subtlety. A festival requires energy and projection.

A versatile sitarist will understand the difference.

Best Sydney Venues for a Sitar Performance

Sydney has some incredible venues where sitar sounds exceptional, including:

• waterfront venues around Circular Quay and the Harbour

• garden venues and outdoor marquees

• art galleries and creative spaces

• private residences with intimate courtyards

• hotel function rooms with warm acoustics

• Libraries

The sitar naturally suits venues that feel elegant, open, and atmospheric.

Indoor vs Outdoor Sitar Performances (Important Considerations)

Outdoor sitar performances are stunning, but they require planning.

A sitar is made from natural materials and is sensitive to:

• humidity

• heat

• direct sunlight

• wind

If you’re hosting an outdoor event in Sydney, ensure:

• shaded cover is available

• the performer is not placed directly in the sun

• there is a safe performance space

This protects the instrument and ensures the best sound.

How Far in Advance Should You Book?

For weddings and peak season events in Sydney, it’s best to book as early as possible, at least 8 weeks in advance, and even earlier for:

• summer weddings

• Diwali season

• major festival dates

• corporate end-of-year functions

If you have a specific date and venue, early booking ensures availability and proper planning.

Why SitarbyRavi? (Sydney-Based Sitarist)

If you’re looking to hire a sitarist in Sydney, Ravi (@SitarbyRavi) offers performances that combine Indian classical depth with a modern Australian edge. His sound draws on Guyanese, Indian, and Australian influences, delivering sitar music that feels both traditional and contemporary.

Ravi is available for:

• weddings and ceremonies

• corporate events

• private functions

• cultural festivals

• collaborations with singers and musicians

His performances are tailored to the atmosphere you want,  whether calm, devotional, or upbeat.

Book a Sitarist in Sydney

If you’re planning an event and want a unique musical experience that guests will remember, hiring a sitarist is one of the most powerful ways to elevate the occasion.

For bookings, enquiries, and performance info:

Visit: https://www.sitarbyravi.com/events-performances/bookings
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a sitarist play modern songs?
Some sitarists will only stick to Indian Classical Music. 

Certain sitarists can adapt melodies into sitar-friendly arrangements or create modern fusion-style soundscapes.

Does sitar music work as background music?
Absolutely. It’s one of the best instruments for elegant ambience because it’s expressive without being overpowering.

Do I need to hire tabla as well?
Not always. Solo sitar is perfect for ambience. Adding tabla creates a more energetic, concert-style performance.

Is sitar too loud for small spaces?
No. The sitar can be very gentle and intimate, especially in smaller indoor settings.