Dr. Birendra Nath Mishra, a well-known artist in the field of Sitar, belongs to the great musician family of 'Benaras Gharana'. There is a great history of his family. Many artists who belong to his family are very famous worldwide. Among them are Pt. Dargahi Mishra, Pt. Bikku Maharaj - the great tabla players of 'Banaras Baaj', who belong to his family. Bikku Maharaj’s son, Pt. Gama Maharaj was also a great and learned tabla player who was the grandfather of Dr. Mishra.
Dr. Birendra Nath Mishra was born on Feb 3rd 1960 in the famous Musicians’ Muhalla called Kabeer Chaura, Varanasi. He got his training under the guidance of his father Pt. Surendra Mohan Mishra and at the age of only twelve years, he performed his first concert with Pt. Rangnath Mishra, who was a great tabla player of his period and was also Ex-Professor of Bhatkhande Music College Lucknow. After the completion of his graduation from Gorakhpur University, he completed his M.Mus and Doctorate of Music under the guidance of Prof. Ram Das Chakrovorty and Dr. K C Gangrande from the Music College of Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi .
During his education, he participated and got many prizes in many competitions organized at various places in the country. His Sitar is technically very advanced and he can play both the “Tantrakari” and “Gayaki Ang” on Sitar.
At present, he is an Associate Professor and Ex Head of the Instrumental Department, Faculty of Performing Arts, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. He is also a graded artist of All India Radio and Doordarshan .