Param Vir

Full biography Param Vir

Param Vir is a highly celebrated contemporary composer, born in Mumbai, India in 1952. He has established himself as one of the leading composers in the world of classical and contemporary music.

After receiving a degree in engineering and a master's in economics, Param Vir began his musical career in London, studying composition with Peter Maxwell Davies at Dartington College of Arts. He later received a PhD in composition from the City University of London.

Param Vir's music is known for its complex harmonies, intricate rhythms, and unique blend of Eastern and Western musical styles. He draws inspiration from a diverse range of sources, including Indian classical music, literature, and mythology.

His notable works include "Raga Fields," a concerto for the sitar and orchestra, "Black Feather Rising," a piece for flute and percussion, "Wah-Wah," a work for cello and tabla, and "The Theatre of Magical Beings," a large-scale choral and orchestral work.

Param Vir has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music, including the prestigious Paul Hamlyn Foundation Award for Composers in 2003, and the Chamber Music America Award for Adventurous Programming in 2016.

In addition to his work as a composer, Param Vir is also an educator, serving as a professor of composition at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. He has also taught at institutions such as the Royal Academy of Music, and has conducted masterclasses around the world.