Internationally performing sitarist Arjun Verma will offer a concert of meditative sitar music in the North Indian classical tradition, which has its roots in the introspective and meditative traditions of India. Though it has evolved into a modern genre of virtuosic art music as well, certain repertoire still retains its original contemplative, emotional, and spiritual qualities. Traditionally, this music is believed to “tune up” the human being and restore a natural state of peace and harmony, through the careful and precise usage of certain sounds.

Arjun Verma is an internationally performing sitarist trained by the legendary Maestro Ali Akbar Khan. Arjun has spent his entire life steeped in the tradition of North Indian classical music. Son of sitarist Roop Verma and a disciple of Maestros Ali Akbar Khan and Ravi Shankar, Arjun began learning sitar from his father at age five. As a teenager, Arjun was fortunate to study directly with Maestro Ali Akbar Khan for eight years, and since the Maestro’s death, with his son Alam Khan.

Arjun has performed in the United States, Europe, and India, including noteworthy performances with the St. Louis Symphony and Houston Grand Opera, and performances at Prague Castle, the Fillmore, and the United Nations in Geneva.

Doors open at 7pm.

Testimonials

Exemplary. — St Louis Post-Dispatch

Arjun Verma masterfully carried out the essence of Indian classical music with his craftsmanship in sitar. — The Daily Star, Dhaka

The future is bright for this torchbearer of the rich musical tradition of the maestro Ali Akbar Khan. — Sruti Magazine

Hypnotic. . . such a rich tone that one could easily confuse the music with a human voice. — Sonoma State Star