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Pt.Vikash Maharaj
Pt Vikash Maharaj is one of the leading sarod performers
of India. Born as a 14th generation musician into the oldest and most
widely respected Banaras gharana (Indian musical family)
in 1957 in Varanasi, he received his early education within his Gharana as a Tabla performer from his late father Bengal Tiger Pt. Nanhku Maharaj.
As a teenager, Vikash developed a natural inclination towards learning the Sarod. His mother inspired him to change instruments and organized Sarod lessons from the
late Guru Shri Rajesh Chandra Moetra ji of the prestigious Maihar Senia Gharana. Like both of his grandfathers,
the late Pt.Bade Ram Das ji and the late Pt. Kanthe Maharaj ji, his maternal uncle, Padma Vibhushan Pt. Kishan Maharaj ji, and late Grand teacher, Ustad Bade Allauddin Khan sahib, one can see in Pt. Vikash Maharaj’s Sarod recital the excellent combination of
Swar (Tone) and Laya (Rhythm) that has been passed down from generation to generation.
As well as holding
onto his family’s tradition, Pt.Vikash Maharaj is also well known for his unique approach to the instrument. Having his early education focused on Tala (Indian Rhythm), and having devoted himself to two Gharanas,
he has a wide understanding of music that sets him apart from other performers. From
this special education, the melody and fluency he expresses on his instrument speaks of deep emotions and moods with clarity
and precision rarely heard on the Sarod. His interest and knowledge of the healing
benefits of music make listening to his Sarod a truly powerful experience.
Pt. Vikash Maharaj is a selected artist from I.C.C.R. (Foreign Ministry Govt of India). He has also featured National and International Radio and T.V.
National Performances
Pt Vikash Maharaj has performed as a
special invitee in several famous festivals and concerts. These include Ganga
Mahotsav, Badri Kedar Utsava, Buddha Mahotsav, Uttar Pradesh Parva, Lucknow Mahotsav, Bhatkhande Jyanti, Avadh Sandhya, Anahad
(Bharat Bhavan Bhopal), Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh, I.T.C. Sangeet Parishad, International Science Congress Ranchi, 50th
anniversary OF U.N., UNICEF, Kabir Mela, Ox fame, and the Festival of U.S.S.R. in India.
International Performances
Pt Vikash Maharaj has performed many
concerts overseas in Countries including Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, Holland, Belgium, Sweden,
Norway, Finland,
U.S.A, New Zealand, Australia, Bangladesh, Thailand, Singapore, and Japan. While
overseas he performed with popular performers John Handy, Paul Horn, David Freisen, Paul Swartz, Lenart A Berg, Peter Geiger,
Dom Um Romao, Prof.Band Konrad, Art Handle, James Pinker, Tom Bailey, Isaac Tucker, and John Ellis. The events in which he performed include the International Leprosy Eradication Festival (organized by Ex-German
President Honorable Mr. Karl Castin), The Sabadh Recital in the loving memory of Late Smt. INDIRA GANDHI held in the Indian
Embassy in Germany, the WOMAD Music Festival, the Diwali Festival, Splore, and the Wahiki Music Festival in New Zealand, and
the Raas Rajani in Samoa.
Music Composed
Pt Vikash Maharaj
has also composed and performed on many CD’s and DVD’s, which are available in both the national and international
markets. He has composed his own creations of Raga's (Indian melodies) such as Shraddha, Night Wind, Shanti, Samadhi, Song
For My Son, Ganga, Heart of Purab, and Hinglaj.
He was the musical director of a Swiss documentary film named Nagoshi,
which was nominated for an Oscar Award in 1989. He also composed music for documentaries
The Holiwater Project (N.Z.) and Garam Masala.
National Awards
Pt Vikash Maharaj has been honored with many prestigious
awards including:
SAROD MAESTRO: (Bengali Club Lucknow)
SAROD WIZARD: (Bokaro Club,Bihar)
SAROD SHIROMANI: (Gopio),
RADHAKRISHNAN
AWARD: (Avantika)
PAHARUA: (Dr. Shanbhu Nath Foundation)
GURU: (Punjab Keshari)
GANGA RATANA: (Akhil Bhartiya Yuva Committee)
SITI RATNA: (Zee
T.V.& Siti Cable)
VIDYA BHUSHAN:
(Prateek Shansthan).
International Awards
PROFESSOR: (Academy Remscheid, Germany)
This certification awarded by the German Indian Society,
Remscheid, Germany stated, “We are convinced that Pt.Vikash Maharaj has matured to a great artist and is a worthy Ambassador
for the rich traditional Indian Culture and the contemporary Indian Culture also."
Social
Work
Pt Vikash Maharaj along with his busy musical career has
also put his time and energy into social work. He is affiliated with many organizations
including:
NATIONAL PRESIDENT:
Cultural Forum Against Child
Servitude.
FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT: PANCHNAAD (an organization which helps inspire the younger generation to preserve the traditional Indian musical
and cultural heritage).
VICE CHAIR PERSON:
People Vigilance Committee On Human Right, National member of U.N.O. (Y).
FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT: The Human Rights Cultural Group
BOARD GROUP MEMBER: Holiwater Project (an environmental water preservation
program from New Zealand).
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