Pandit Shivkumar Sharma

Sharma is one of the leading performers of the santoor, an Indian instrument similar to a hammered dulcimer. The sound is much like a harp, or a lute, creating a cascade of notes that follow the twists and turns of whichever raga Sharma chooses to play. He's generally accompanied by tabla and tanpura, making up for the limitations of his instrument (notes may not be bent) by keeping some notes ringing to blend into further passages. Sharma has played with many of the greatest Indian musicians, including Zakir Hussain and Ali Akbar Khan, continually developing new techniques for his instrument, while remaining respectful of tradition.