Uday Bhawalkar has helped to take dhrupad, one of the oldest styles of North Indian singing, from its religious roots to the international stage. Singing in a deep voice, he continues to bring a new sensibility to this introspective and meditative music. Taught to sing by his sister beginning at the age of eight, Bhawalkar attended music school in Ujjain from 1975 until 1981. His talent was obvious and he received a full scholarship to attend Ustad Allauddin Khan Sangeet Academy, where he studied under brothers Zia Fariduddin Dagar and Zia Mohiuddin Dagar. Performing his debut concert in Bhopal in 1985, Bhawalkar has performed throughout India and at festivals in Berlin, Holland, London, Switzerland, France, and Belgium. He has served as a visiting faculty member at the Conservatorium in Rotterdam and the World Music School in Amsterdam. ~ Craig Harris