Hindustani Classical Vocalist and Teacher of
classical, semi-classical and devotional music

Introduction

Pandit Shivkumar is more than a performing artist active in the music field.

His vision of life goes even beyond music and his presence gives a feeling of Peace and Bliss
to everyone who meets him.

As "ambassador" of Indian Music in France and internationally he feels he has the mission to serve humanity through Music, bringing Musical Knowledge and also Peace in the hearts of students, listeners and lovers of Indian Music.

His way of performing and teaching gives more than notes and theory but enhances the Human Values according to the pure Indian Guru-Shyshya Parampara System.

" When my father sent me to the Gurukul to learn music, he knew that this system will completely transform my life and bring me more than merely music.

Similarly students who come to my Gurukul (my music school) receive more than musical knowledge. Students will learn how to talk, walk, respect themselves and respect others, discover their skills and confidence while conveying love and peace through music.

This system solves all the problems they encounter in the learning process and in daily life and answers their questions. It gives harmony and rythm to life, teaches how to overcome limits and finally reach their goal !

Such is the power and beauty of the Indian system I followed and that I am teaching today. I am happy to carry these Indian traditional values which are very precious for every human being. " [Pt Shivkumar]

Representant of Gwalior Gharana

Shivkumar has been gifted with a melodious and resonant voice with a natural and effortless range. His main features of singing is superb exposition of Ragas followed by equally gorgeous "bandishes" (compositions) and "taans" (fast pattern of notes) which makes his recital always memorable to the sensitive audience. He combines a fine blend of tradition and creativity in his singing style.

The essence of his performance is the beautiful concord between melody and the rhythm.
The total effect of his rendering is both delighting and appealing. He caresses your mind with the sweet voice, leading you in to worlds of ultimate pleasure , beauty and peace.

Shivkumar performs solo and with groups the following styles of Indian Music : Hindustani Classical Khayal, Semi Classical : Thumari, Dadra as well as Kawali, Sufi – Fusion and Worldmusic - Devotional : Sanskrit, Hindi, Nirguni, Marathi and Kannada Bhajans, Marathi Natyasangeet , Bhavgeet , Konkani Geet etc... Shivkumar teaches all these forms of Indian music. He is equally a teacher of sound yoga, musico-therapy, meditation…

In France, he created several groups of music with quality artists :

NAAD TRIO - vocal, bansuri flute and tabla



MILAP - voice and guitar

CHANTS INDIA - voice, flute, tabla, sitar, harmonium

SOMETHING ELSE - voice - Dhrupad & Khayal, tabla, pakwaj

SWARANANDA - duo devotional songs, harmonium, tabla

Totally dedicated to music Shivkumar is a regular artist of All India Radio and Television et he performed in the main Indian cities as well as those of South African and European countries. Through Swar Foundation in Mumbai, India and Swar International in France, of which he is Founder President, Shivkumar works for the promotion of Indian art, music and culture in India and Internationally.

Short biography and artistical career

Shivkumar is a name that discerning listeners have started associating with the rich heritage of his birth place, Goa.

Goa has given to the world extraordinarily gifted musicians, and singers such as, Late Pandit Wazebuva, Layabhaskar Shri Khaprumama Parvatkar , Surshri Kesarbai Kerkar, Anjanibai Malpekar, Gantapaswini Mogubai Kurdikar, Pandit Dinanath Mangeshkar, The very famous Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhonsle, Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki and Pandita Kishori Amonkar etc.

Shivkumar born and brought up at Goa. He was popular in childhood because of his Singing He grew up listening to Bhajans and Kirtans Singing in local temples. At the age of 9 he played Abhimanyu in the Musical Drama called Sihancha Chhawa which was directed by his Father.

He developed keen desire to learn music in his early childhood gradually under the influence of his Mother Smt.Lata and Father Shri Shivram - a popular stage artist of Goa. He has started his initial training of Hindustani Classical Music under Shri Jaykrishna Bhatikar, a popular vocalist and stage artist of Goa at Kala Academy Kendra Sanguem Goa. Keen on pursuing a career in music he came to Mumbai and continued his study of music in Guru-Shishya-Parampara under the able guidance of Pandit Shri Prabhakar Karekarji.

Pt Shri Prabhakar Karekarjis style of singing has its inevitable impact on his mind. He tried to assimilate its features while evolving towards a style of his own. Inspiration, hard work and determination have brought Shivkumar to this stage.

Shivkumar received the title of "Pandit" from Gomantak Bhushan Swami Brahmananda Maharaj from Goa.

He is today recognized by the public, by the medias and the senior artists.

Shivkumar has performed in all the major cities of India. He has equally travelled and performed in Dhaka, Chitagong (Bangladesh), Johanesbourg (South Africa), Milan ( Italie), Paris (France), Romania.
He is in France at the moment where he continues his career working for the promotion of Indian culture and music.

Shivkumar has been invited in several spiritual centers to sing in presence of :

Swami Jayendra Saraswati and Swami Vijayedra Saraswati-Adi Shankaracharya of Kanchi Kamkoti Peetham,
Swami Tejomayananda-Head of Chinmaya Mission,
Swami Vishveshwarananda-Mahamandaleshwara of Sanyasashram,
Swami Dayananda Saraswati of Arsha Vidya Peetham-Rishikesh,,
Swami Brahmananda - Tapobhumi -Goa
Acharya Dharmendraji-Saptpeethadhiswar of Rajastan,
Swami Subodhananda- Acharya of Chinmaya Mission-Siddhabari, etc.

Swamini Umananda (Chinmaya Mission - Paris - France)
Swami Veetamohananda (Ashram Ramakrishna à Gretz - France)
Sri Nitai Gaurasundara Das (ISKON Paris)

Performed equally at :
Nehru Centre -- Mumbai
Ravindra Natya Mandir - Mumbai
P.L.Deshpande Academy - Mumbai
Musical Meet - Cochin
Swami Tyagarja Samadhi -Thiruvaiyaru - Tamilnadu
Swami Dayanand Saraswati Ashram - Rishikesh
Gyananand Giri Muth at Tapowan - Tamilnadu
Viththal Temple at Tenangur - Tamilnadu
Lord Panduranga Temple - Pandharpur
Sri Gajanan Sansthan – Shegaon
Sri Venkat raman Temple – Manglore
Late Ustad Abdul Kareem Khan Sahib Smriti Sangeet Sammelan – Miraj
Veer Savarkar Theatre - Ratnagiri
Iscon - Hare Krishna Land - Juhu – Mumbai
Central Chinmaya Mission - Mumbai
Osho - Comune - (performed in Dance Ballete of Hema Malini and Esha Devol)
Malhar Mahotsav - by - Swarankeet
Dadar Matunga Cultural Centre - Mumbai
Fine Arts Society - Chembur - Mumbai
Vividha Kala Mahotsav – by - Government of Maharastra
Pt. Salvekar Sangeet Sammelan - MumbaiLate Laya Bhaskar Khapru Mama Smriti Sangeet Sammelan - Goa
Goa Vision & Food Festival - by – Govt. of Goa
Trade Fares in Goa
Pt Shri Jaykrishna Bhatikar Gauraw Sangeet Sammelan - Goa
Damodar Sangeet Sangeet Sammelan - Vasco - Goa.
Shirali mutth - Shirali
Tamilnadu , Chennai, Kerala, Banglore, Kolkotta, Gujrat, Daman & Div, Rishikesh etc...

and in France :

Maison de l'Inde (Paris)
Mandapa (Paris)
Chinmaya Shakti (Paris)
Maharastra Mandal France (Paris)
Soleil d'Or (Paris)
Arkenciel (Vincennes)
Festival Bien-être (Rennes)
Festival Musique (Nanterre)
Festival International (Chartres)
Forum 104 (Paris)
Journées de la Vie (Paris)
L'Ogresse (Paris)
Journée de la Musique (Nanterre)
Fêtes associatives (Nanterre)