Avirodh Sharma

At Writers Theatre: DISHWASHER DREAMS

Avirodh Sharma is considered one of today’s leading exponents of the tabla, carrying on the tradition of percussion rhythm that originated on the Indian Subcontinent. Trinidadian born, Sharma was trained by his father, Dr. Ravideen Ramsamooj, managing director of the East Indian Music Academy who, together with his mother, Bharati Ramsamooj (Principal), have produced over 20,000 students in New York City. As a Director/resident teacher at the Academy for over 24 years, Sharma has trained tabla players nationwide. A multifaceted artist, he is also a composer and producer, with work featured in films, documentaries, fashion shows, on radio and in television commercials. He has been featured in The New York Times, NY Daily News, NY1, TV Asia, STARZ NETWORK, Zee TV and NPR Radio. Sharma has worked with Grammy-winning artists including Shakti and Masters of Percussion - Vikku Vinayakram - internationally acclaimed Kailash Kher, Suresh Wadhkar, Shivamani, Amaan and Ayaan Bangash and many more. He has also collaborated with Asian Underground musician Karsh Kale, fiddler Patrick Mangan (Riverdance), dance choreographer David Parsons and David Bowie’s drummer Sterling Campbell. He’s also made special appearances in music ensembles such as the Queens Symphony, Sukarma, Sufiana, Riyaaz Qawaali and Melodic Intersect. In 2015, his debut recording as a tabla soloist/percussionist was nominated for the 14th Independent Music Awards “Best World Beat Album.” In 2018, he was commissioned by Parsons Dance Company to compose and perform Microburst in NYC’s Joyce Theatre, receiving critical acclaim in Italy and across the United States. He composed and performed for Dishwasher Dreams which was developed at the Joseph Papp Public Theater. A Carribean Savant in rhythm, his performances have captivated audiences in Italy, Switzerland, Nepal, India, Dominican Republic, Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and the U. S. January 2019, he performed at Kumbh Mela, in India, the biggest religious festival in the world, where millions were in attendance. He has appeared recently at the international festivals Artisti in Piazza (Italy), Hindustani Music Fest (Bahamas), Drive East Festival (New York City) and Taj Mahotsav (Taj Mahal, India).

[Bio as of November 2021]