Pranav Swaroop

Pranav Swaroop was initiated to formal training in Carnatic music, a South Indian classical form at a very young age. Practicing the art form for over two decades now, Pranav has performed over a thousand concerts to date across India and internationally, in over 13 countries at prominent venues.

As a national-level first-prize winner in the prestigious All India Radio competitions and directly placed as a graded artist, Pranav has bagged several awards, and recognition such as State first-rank in the 'Vidwat' examinations (Proficiency grade) in Carnatic Violin, Karnataka Sangeeta Nritya academy fellowship from Govt. of Karnataka consecutively for two years,  and among others. As one of the founding members of Project Mishram, a progressive Carnatic fusion act from Bangalore, Pranav has led his band into victory in over 35+ competitions across India including at the MTV-Colors of Youth- Season 7 winning a Vitara Brezza Car from Maruti Suzuki India Ltd.

Along with his band, Pranav has had the privilege of bringing Carnatic music, for the first time into global music festivals such as the UK Tech Fest, ArcTangent Festival, and more recently North America's biggest 'Louder than Life' festival playing alongside giants like Slayer, Slipknot, Korn, Judas Priest, Motley Crue and others.

As an empaneled artist of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Pranav has represented and performed Carnatic violin concerts at diplomatic missions of India, at the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, Austria, Germany, Japan, and the Netherlands.

Other notable showcases include performances at the Berklee's International Folk Festival, Uchisaiwaicho India Festival in Tokyo, Tag der offenen Tür celebrations at the German Foreign Office in Berlin, BBC Asian Network, UK, Doordarshan, NPR (WBUR-Boston), Navaratri concerts at the Wesleyan University, HCL Concerts and for Rupavahini, Sri Lankan National Television.

Pranav has also given guest presentations and workshops on ‘Appreciating Indian Classical music' at Berklee College of Music, Rainforest World Music Festival, Malaysia and the Embassy of India in Reykjavik, Iceland.

In addition to playing Carnatic solo violin concerts, Pranav has had the honor of accompanying several top musicians in the field. He has also composed music and played for Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi, classical dance performances. One of his most recent productions titled 'Flight of the mind' co-composed with Dr. Shriya Srinivasan and her dance troupe 'Anubhava' was showcased at the MIT Media Lab. The production garnered tremendous appreciation from the attendees which included Hollywood stars like Robert Downey Jr and others.

In addition, Pranav has been actively involved in advocacy for equitable opportunities and resources for artists of color, and emerging and small-mid sized arts organizations. He has served as an Advisory board member for the City of Boston Boston Cultural Council for the last two years where he is involved in reviewing grant applications and submitting recommendations to the city council. He has also served as a panelist for the Cambridge Arts Council in reviewing music-related applications for their annual grants. These efforts have played a key role in the strategic allocation of resources to deserving artists, organizations, and underserved communities including those pursuing Indian Classical Arts in the Greater Boston area, and have been greatly acknowledged by the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture.

He was honored as one of the ten 'Makers of the Year-2024' by NPR (National Public Radio-WBUR) for his impact on Boston's creative and cultural landscape. He has received the 'Boston Media Arts Empowerment Award' from the Massachusetts Cultural Council among others for his efforts.