Naresh Sohal

Naresh Sohal (1939-2018) was a pioneering British composer of Indian origin, renowned for his unique voice in the realm of Western classical music. Born in Punjab, Sohal made history as the first Indian to forge a full-time, successful career as a composer in the Western world. His compositions, ranging from intimate chamber pieces to grand orchestral works, are celebrated for their colorful, daring, and innovative soundscapes. Sohal was a trailblazer in multiple ways: he was the first to set texts in Punjabi and Bengali within the Western classical tradition, the first to receive an annual bursary from the Arts Council of Great Britain, and the first Non-Resident Indian to be honored with the Padma Shri award by the Indian Government. His ambitious and philosophically rich works have left an indelible mark on contemporary classical music, making him one of the most remarkable composers of his generation. Notable works include his cycle of seven connected movements, "Lila," and his expansive Violin Concerto.