Ravi Shankar

Biography

The core of Ravi Shankar's music has always been the spirituality, which instantly touches the listener. It was 77 years ago that Ravi Shankar first came to this country. Since then, this musical messiah has worked tirelessly to take the great music of his country to every corner of the earth.

In 1985, when Ravi Shankar received his doctorate from Cal Arts, the citation read, “Ravi Shankar, musician to the world” whose rare genius has opened the ears and minds of millions to the wondrous aesthetic of India's ancient musical tradition - adored musical ambassador whose incomparable artistry has created bridges of understanding among the peoples of the earth. Ravi Shankar has been honored with more than 14 honorary doctorates from all over the world including Harvard and New England Conservatory, and became the first Regent's Professor in the Department of Music at the University of California, San Diego. He has also received India's highest honor the “Bharat Ratna”, the Praemium Imperiale from Japan, and the Polar Music Prize from Sweden, referred to as the Nobel prize of music, Commandeur de la Legion d'Honneur, the highest French civilian award, Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth and many more. He has tirelessly been performing, teaching, composing and touring for more than 75 years.