Asima is a male choir and percussion ensemble from the south Indian state of Kerala. The word "asima" in sanskrit means "beyond boundaries",` and the ensemble combines elements from India's rhythmic and melodic systems with harmonic traditions of western music. In particular Asima takes inspiration from the diversity and wealth of India's rich music heritage that includes the austere, ancient traditions of vedic chanting of scriptures, the refinement and beauty of classical traditions of Hindustani (north indian) and Carnatic (south india) music, and the vitality and charm of indian folk and ritual music. The ensemble is directed by Devissaro, an Australian born musician and composer who has lived in India since 1980. Trained initially as a classical pianist, Devissaro subsequently studied Hindustani vocal music of the ancient Dhrupad tradition under the renowned Dagar Brothers. He also trained in the pakhawaj (Indian double-headed drum) and bansuri (bamboo flute). The music of the Asima is a reflection of Devissaro's background in both western and Indian classical music. The Asima ensemble comprises five singers, Anil Ram, Gokul Bhaskar, Sree, Khalid and Anoop Sivanand, percussionist Tao Issaro and Devissaro on bansuri and keyboard. The team - ASIMA Composer/Director Born in Australia, Devissaro originally trained in classical piano, and studied music composition at University of Western Australia. In 1980 he visited India, and has lived there ever since. From 1983-89 he studied Hindustani (north Indian) vocal music of the Dagarbani Dhrupad tradition under the renowned Dagar family, as well as bansuri (Indian flute) and pakhawaj (north Indian drum). Since 1993 he has lived with his family in Trivandrum, the southern-most city of India. Devissaro along with his wife Daksha Sheth is a founder and Artistic Co-Director of Daksha Sheth Dance Company. He also works as a freelance Music Director, composer and musician for TV, theatre and film. Most recently Devissaro has been Music Director for the renowned multi-lingual Indian production of Shakespeare’s “Midsummer Nights Dream” directed by Tim Supple, that has been described as “the most life affirming dream to be seen in the UK since Peter Brook’s production of 1970!” Devissaro Solo Vocals, percussion Lead singer of Asima, Anil Ram has studied Carnatic classical music for 25 years under masters like Varkala Gopalakrishnan and Thiruvananthapuram Ajithkumar, and more recently under the famous musician Varkala C. S. Jayaram. He is a graded artist of All India Radio, Trivandrum, and a sound recordist by profession. Anil Ram performs as a carnatic vocalist in kacheris and is also a noted playback singer. having recorded songs with well known Music Director M. G. Radhakrishnan. Anil Ram also has a special flare for tradional percussion instruments. Anil Ram Conductor, vocals Conductor of Asima, Gokul Bhaskar studied carnatic classical music from an early age under his teacher Viswambharan, singer of Gazals. He is a graded artist of All India Radio, Trivandrum, and a member for many years of the MBS Youth Choir, Trivandrum. He holds a M.Sc degree in Mathematics. Gokul Bhaskar Vocals, percussion A classically trained singer, Sree studied vocals and mridangam at Tharangini School of Music, Trivandrum and holds the diploma of Ganabhushanam from Swati Thirunal College of Music. He has studied with masters Smt. Annapoorna and Iraniyal Perumal, and performs widely as a member of the MBS Youth Choir. He is also an artist of All India Radio, Trivandrum. Sree Kumar Vocals. percussion Khalid has studied carnatic vocal music under the famous master Varkala C. S. Jayaram, and holds the diploma of Ganabhushanam from Swati Thirunal College of Music, Trivandrum. Khalid teaches Carnatic music at Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, Trivandrum. He is also a trained percussionist, specialising in kerala's traditional drums, and a member of the MBS Youth Choir for many years. Khalid Vocals A classically trained singer and professional musician, Anoop Sivanand has sung in many popular Malayalam music albums, and has performed widely in stage shows in the country and abroad. He holds a degree in Hindi from the University of Kerala. Anoop Sivanand Drum Kit, other percussion The son of Devissaro and Daksha Sheth, Tao Issaro studied drum kit initially under Joe Boy in Trivandrum, and more recently under Ranjit Barot and Gino Banks in Mumbai. He also studies tabla under Aneesh Pradhan, as well as keyboard. From the age of 11 Tao has been a percussionist with the Daksha Sheth Dance Company, and as a member of the company has toured widely in India and abroad. Tao also composes music and is a member of several rock bands in Mumbai. Apart from music, Tao’s other passion is tennis.