Pt. SHIVKUMAR  SHARMA

Rare are the instances in which the name of an artist becomes synonymous with the
instrument he plays. One such artist is Pandit Shivkumar
Sharma and the instrument is santoor. Ingenious,
imaginative and innovative, he transformed the little-known
Kashmiri folk instrument into a full-fledged solo concert
instrument in Indian classical music.

Born in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, Shivkumar
learned vocal music at a young age and acquired a
respectable command over tabla. Later, he spent several
years in developing and perfecting a new technique for
playing classical music on santoor. His father, the late
Pandit Uma Dutt Sharma, was his foremost teacher.

Currently, Pandit Shivkumar Sharma is recognized in India and abroad as one of the
most accomplished exponents of Indian classical music. In 1987 the Sangeet Natak
Academy bestowed on him the National Award for his unique contributions to Indian
classical music.