Published by The
Business Tycoons -
January
2025
Abhay Rustum Sopori,
Preserving and Innovating the Legacy of Santoor Music
Versatility, innovations and experimentation Vmake music more
interesting along with a
deep understanding of music and
comprehensive training.
Abhay Rustum Sopori, Santoor player and Music
Composer has always tried his hands in exploring
and experimenting, thus producing exclusive
renditions.
Born in Srinagar, he is the son of the legendary musician Pandit Bhajan Sopori. Growing up in a musical and spiritual environment, Abhay was trained in both instrumental and vocal music by his grandfather, Pandit Shamboo Nath Sopori, and his renowned father. He also has degrees in Commerce and Computer Applications from Delhi University.
Born in Srinagar, he is the son of the legendary musician Pandit Bhajan Sopori. Growing up in a musical and spiritual environment, Abhay was trained in both instrumental and vocal music by his grandfather, Pandit Shamboo Nath Sopori, and his renowned father. He also has degrees in Commerce and Computer Applications from Delhi University.
Early Career
He inherited a deep understanding of music from the
traditional Sufiana Gharana, with a history of over
150 years in Santoor playing, following the GuruShishya tradition.
Abhay also studied Western
Classical Music, which laid the foundation for his
structured approach to composition.
Abhay made his debut as a Santoor player in 1997 at a prestigious concert in Delhi, earning widespread acclaim from music enthusiasts. Since then, he has performed on prominent national and international stages, including in countries such as the USA, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore.
Abhay made his debut as a Santoor player in 1997 at a prestigious concert in Delhi, earning widespread acclaim from music enthusiasts. Since then, he has performed on prominent national and international stages, including in countries such as the USA, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore.
Creating a Niche :
- He has participated in numerous prestigious music festivals, both in India and abroad, such as the Asian Music Festival-2002, Sankat-Mochan Festival, Harballabh Sangeet Festival, and many more. His performances are known for their blend of Gayaki (vocal) and Tantrakari (instrumental) techniques, which define his distinctive style, known as "Sopori Baaj."
- Aunique feature of his performances is that he often sings compositions alongside playing them instrumentally. His playing is characterized by clear notes, melodious sequences, fast tempos, and a commitment to perfecting the style established by his father, Pt. Bhajan Sopori. He incorporates intricate Taan patterns, Bol patterns, Chand patterns, Meend, Gamak, and Glides into his performances, hallmarks of the Sopori Baaj.
- Abhay has also introduced innovative techniques to the Santoor, such as the 'Open String Concept' to enhance the lower octave and the development of the 'Been Ang' on the instrument. Additionally, he contributed to the signature tune for India's 'Aaj Tak' News Channel.
Widespread Recognition
Abhay's performances have earned him widespread
recognition from music critics and connoisseurs in
both India and abroad. Abhay won first place in the
State Music Competition in Srinagar when he was
just 10 years old. He also contributed as a playback
singer to the National Award-winning Kashmiri film
"Bub" and has sung for various documentaries, TV
shows, and films. As a composer, Abhay has created
music for numerous serials and documentaries.
Abhay has had the honor of performing alongside
legendary Indian musicians, including the esteemed
Tabla maestro Pt. Kishan Maharaj.
Sopori has received awards in recognition of his contribution in the field of music, and is one of the youngest recipients of awards such as 'Bharat Shiromani Award' and 'Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar'. Abhay was invited to speak at the international conference, TEDx.
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Sopori has received awards in recognition of his contribution in the field of music, and is one of the youngest recipients of awards such as 'Bharat Shiromani Award' and 'Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar'. Abhay was invited to speak at the international conference, TEDx.
