Anoushka Shankar to Receive Honorary Degree from University of Oxford

Renowned sitarist, composer, producer, and activist Anoushka Shankar is set to receive an Honorary Degree from the University of Oxford, marking a historic moment in both her illustrious career and the university’s tradition. The announcement, made today, celebrates Shankar’s extraordinary contributions to the music industry and her tireless efforts in fostering cultural understanding through her art. This accolade not only underscores her profound influence on the global music landscape but also highlights her pioneering role as the first musician of Indian origin to be bestowed with this prestigious honor by the esteemed institution. 

The formal conferral of the honorary degree will take place on June 19th during Oxford University’s annual Encaenia academic ceremony, where Shankar will be recognized alongside a distinguished cohort of individuals including Warren East, Sir Demis Hassabis, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Sir Michael Palin, and Professor Salim Yusuf. 

In addition to this remarkable achievement, Shankar continues to make waves in the music industry with her recent artistic endeavors. Last year, she unveiled the first two installments of her mini-album trilogy, beginning with Chapter I: Forever, For Now, followed by Chapter II: How Dark It Is Before Dawn released earlier this year. Notably, her collaboration with six-time Grammy Award-winning British musician Jacob Collier on the duet “A Rock Somewhere,” featured on his latest album Djesse Vol. 4, further solidifies her versatility and innovation as an artist. 

In a statement, Shankar said, “This is truly a pinch-me moment in my career; I never even dreamed I might receive an honor such as this, let alone from one of the most prestigious universities in the world. I am deeply grateful to Oxford University for conferring me with an Honorary Degree. I also feel reflective and grateful for all my past teachers that got me to this point: I was fortunate to have had the most precious education in music under the guidance of my father, and unbelievable coaching and support in my career aged thirteen onwards from my mother. This is all thanks to them.” 

Throughout the 2023-24 season, Shankar embarked on an extensive global tour across four continents, captivating audiences with her mesmerizing performances at iconic venues such as the Sydney Opera House, New Delhi’s Siri Fort, and the Philharmonie de Paris, among others. With over three decades of experience as a sitarist, she continues to push the boundaries of traditional Indian classical music while seamlessly blending it with contemporary influences, captivating audiences worldwide. 

Shankar’s musical prowess has earned her numerous accolades and nominations, including nine Grammy nominations, recognition as an Asian Hero by TIME Magazine, and an Ivor Novello Award Nomination. Notably, she became the youngest and first female recipient of a British House of Commons Shield and was bestowed with the title of Honorary Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music. Grounded in the rich tradition of Indian classical music, Shankar embarked on her musical journey under the tutelage of her father and guru, the late Ravi Shankar, making her professional debut as a classical sitarist at the age of 13. 

What sets Shankar apart is not only her virtuosity as a musician but also her commitment to addressing pressing social issues through her art. From composing music that highlights the plight of Syrian refugees to shedding light on violence against women in India, she uses her platform to advocate for change and promote cultural dialogue. 

Moreover, Shankar’s foray into composing for visual media, including scoring music for the restoration of the 1927 Indian silent film Shiraz and co-composing the score for Mira Nair’s BBC series A Suitable Boy, showcases her versatility and adaptability across various artistic mediums.