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Composer Performer

 

Kamala Sankaram is a composer, performer, and multi-instrumentalist who has made a name for herself in the world of contemporary classical music. Born in 1978 in Phoenix, Arizona, Sankaram grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to a wide variety of musical styles from an early age. Her mother was a classical pianist, while her father was a jazz saxophonist, and her grandfather was a composer and conductor. Sankaram began studying music at a young age, starting with piano lessons when she was just four years old. She later added voice, violin, and flute to her repertoire, and by the time she was a teenager, she was already composing her own music. She went on to study music at the University of Michigan, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition. After completing her undergraduate studies, Sankaram moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. She quickly became involved in the city's vibrant new music scene, performing with a variety of ensembles and collaborating with other composers and performers. In 2008, she founded her own ensemble, the Sankaram Ensemble, which specializes in performing her own compositions. Sankaram's music is known for its eclectic blend of styles, incorporating elements of classical music, jazz, rock, and Indian classical music. She is particularly interested in exploring the intersection of different musical traditions and creating new sounds and textures by combining them in unexpected ways. One of Sankaram's most notable works is her opera "Thumbprint," which premiered in 2014 at the Prototype Festival in New York City. The opera tells the story of Mukhtar Mai, a Pakistani woman who was gang-raped as a form of punishment for a crime committed by her brother. Despite facing intense pressure to remain silent, Mai spoke out about her experience and became an advocate for women's rights in Pakistan. Sankaram's score for "Thumbprint" incorporates elements of Indian classical music, as well as Western classical music and jazz. The opera features a small ensemble of musicians, including Sankaram herself on vocals and accordion, and is performed in English, Urdu, and Punjabi. "Thumbprint" received widespread critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling and innovative score. It has since been performed at several other venues, including the LA Opera and the Royal Opera House in London. In addition to "Thumbprint," Sankaram has composed a wide variety of other works, including chamber music, choral music, and music for dance. She has received numerous commissions and awards for her work, including a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2019. Sankaram is also an accomplished performer, known for her powerful and expressive vocals. She has performed with a variety of ensembles, including the Philip Glass Ensemble and the International Contemporary Ensemble, and has been featured on several recordings. Overall, Kamala Sankaram is a composer and performer who has made a significant impact on the world of contemporary classical music. Her innovative and eclectic approach to composition has earned her widespread acclaim, and her work continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in music.

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