POOVALUR SRIJI - a prolific composer, performer, and educator studied South Indian Classical music from his father P.A. Venkataraman. For over twenty five years Poovalur has performed with the leading artist from both South and North Indian Classical traditions. Since his move to the United States Poovalur has performed and recorded with various artists, such as Sir Yehudi Menuhin, Bela Fleck, Mark O’ Connor, John Bergamo, Glen Velez to name a few. Poovalur has composed several pieces portraying the South Indian idioms. Poovalur has received several awards from leading institutions. The album Tabula Rasa, where he has composed and performed with Bela Fleck, V. M. Bhatt and J.P. Chen was nominated for a Grammy. He founded and directs the 'SNEW' and the 'South Indian Cross Cultural Ensemble as well as being a founding member of the group Brahma. Poovalur has taught Music at San Diego State University and Calarts and currently a faculty at University Of North Texas at Denton.

Poovalur Sriji's website: http://www.poovalur.com