ROOP VERMA is an internationally respected sitarist, composer and an accomplished teacher of Indian Classical and Sacred music. He was born in a music-loving family of North India and grew up in an environment rich with art and culture. He received his M.A. in music from Gandharva Maha Vidyalya University in Pune, India and was formally trained under Maestros Ali Akbar Khan and Ravi Shankar. Deeper dimensions and the spiritual quality of his music evolved from over 30 years of study with his teachers, Swami Shyam of the Himalayas and Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati (Ramamurti S. Mishra, M.D.).
During the growing years, his intense curiosity led him to search for inner dimensions in everything he did - painting, literature, science, soccer, yoga, meditation--and above all, music. His main inclination was towards the deeper aspects of music and its relationship with life. As a young apprentice, Roop Verma split apart every tune he learned and played, only to discover the “infinity” of emotional and spiritual experiences. These experiences became the core of his music through years of self-analysis and inner search.
He was the featured artist and composer of a special work for the 50th Anniversary of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland in 1995 and, as an honored guest of the Government of Belgium, at the Anderlecht Cultural Center in Brussels. His memorable 1997 concert at Berwaldhallen, Stockholm, Sweden was produced by Swedish National Radio and Television, and is one of many recordings of his music.
His “Concerto for Sitar and Orchestra” was premiered in November 2006 at Merkin Hall in New York and had its European premiere by the Linkoping Symphony Orchestra in Sweden in September 2007.
He composed original music for the documentary film “Dalai Lama Renaissance”, which won 12 international awards. He is the recipient of the prestigious National Endowment for the Humanities Award for 2006 as a Distinguished Visiting Professor at Hartwick College, Oneonta, New York. Roop is the director of The East-West School of Music in Monroe, New York.
An active practitioner and teacher of Nada Yoga, he represents the age-old tradition of meditation as taught by his meditation and philosophy teachers. Meditation in essence is a step by step process for restoring 'balance' and harmony to the whole person as Nature intended us to be. A balance of body, mind and spirit is essential to enjoy the fullness of life.
He is considered one of the musical pioneers of neo-impressionism and has established his place in the world of music. The magic of his music is appreciated worldwide, with simplicity portrayed through the peace and healing experienced as a result of his music.
