Shiv Sangeet music school opens

Among the scores of students registering for classes a large number is interested in violin music, Maharaj said.

He noted that violin music is becoming more popular here and that orchestras are now including this instrument in their ensemble.

“The violin has become well established in modern and ancient music, principally as an accompaniment to the voice, but also sometimes as a solo instrument,” he said.

The violin was introduced to India around 1790 by military bandsmen in the East India Company, many of whom were Irish. It has been used in all types of Indian music.

In speaking about the many areas of Indian music which he teaches, Maharaj said that a brief dip into the music quickly reveals that it is a deep and vast subject, its performance requires great discipline and spiritual awareness.

“The purpose of Indian music is to refine one’s soul, discipline one’s body, to make one aware of the infinite within one, to unite one’s breath with that of space and one’s vibrations with that of the cosmos,” he said

Maharaj has also been conducting classes at the Saraswatie Girl College in Charlieville, Chaguanas. Classes will continue at both venues during the Easter vacation.