Current Production

"NIGUMA: THE MANTRA PROJECT" just finished its premier at the Broad Stage in Santa Monica, AND WILL BE RETURNING TO THE STAGE IN THE FALL OF 2018!

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION

NIGUMA: THE MANTRA PROJECT is a GROUNDBREAKING, contemporary MANTRA music and dance production. This musical experience weaves ancient yoga teachings and timeless wisdom through song, dance, and mantra inspired by the 11th century yogini, Lady Niguma. It is designed to take the audience on a journey that will inspire them to connect with their heart space, illumine their own timeless wisdom and to stir an audience into exercising their altruism. The songs, elaborate creative direction, and imagery bring listeners and viewers into a space of deeper listening, creating an evening of freedom, fun, and unforgettable melodies.

SYNOPSIS

Niguma: The Mantra Project is a tale of a young girl named Manda, and her enchanting journey of awakening. Her inner world is defined by struggles, trapped in chains, which bind her to the material world. Determined to choose a life path liberated by higher truth, she enters into a mystical dream world. Within this dreamscape, she encounters Lady Niguma, along with her angelic disciples, on the magical island of Sosa. Through the teachings of Lady Niguma, she discovers her true powers, her purity, and the realiza-tion that she is the true creator of her world and that all things she experiences come from no other place but within her Self.

ABOUT THE MUSIC

The two albums written for the production: NIGUMA and ASCENSION, NIGUMA VOL. 2 is a genre defining collection experience of “Cinematic Mantra Music”. The music was inspired from the beginning to become a theatrical piece that fuses mantra with elements of opera and contemporary arts. With the powerful intention to give the world a breakthrough moment in sacred music, Sangeeta Kaur has created an album that pushes the boundaries and confines of the form, while opening the doors of mantra music to a global cross-over audience. The mission of the album is to connect beyond the yoga community to reach people who are “open and on the verge” of an awakening breakthrough. Highlights include the “Gayatri Mantra” which begins the album. This was the first mantra Sangeeta ever learned and she loves this globally cherished ancient healing mantra that crosses every lineage. A creative synergistic debut is the merging of the classic “What A Wonderful World” with the legendary Buddhist chant “O Mani Padme Hum”. Cát Bui, a song about .Life, Death and Oneness, is the first song Sangeeta ever recorded originating from her native Vietnamese upbringing and composed by the legendary Trinh Cong Son. The result of listening to this collection of hypnotic, enchanting and deep healing sacred chants is to cross the bridge between the mate-rial and realm of the Divine.

A SCENE FROM THE PREMIER OF NIGUMA: THE MANTRA PROJECT AT THE BROAD STAGE (featuring antonio martinez and meredith Ostrowsky)

Artist's Roster

This is some of the incredible talent that makes our productions possible...if you wish to be considered for current or future productions and to be included in our roster of artists, then please send us a submission form via the 'Submissions' page.

Creator, Producer, Composer, Writer, Lead Vocals, and plays the part of Manda in the "Niguma" Mantra Opera. — Creator, Producer, Composer, Writer, Lead Vocals, and plays the part of Manda in the "Niguma" Mantra Opera.

sangeeta kaur

Sangeeta Kaur (Teresa Mai) is a Vietnamese American trained opera singer, mantra singer, producer and Global Peace Song Awards 2016 winner. She is a sound artist who is inspired to bring healing and awakening through music and yoga. Sangeeta was musically trained at California State University of Long Beach Music School and also at The Boston Conservatory of Music, with focuses in Opera and Voice. She has performed many different operatic roles throughout the US and Europe. Her love for mantra music began when she met her spiritual teachers in New York City who then guided her toward the practice and studies of Tibetan Buddhism, Kundalini Yoga, Yoga of Lady Niguma and the Yoga of Sound and Mantra. She released her first mantra album "Yoga is Love" in 2012 and her latest mantra crossover album "Niguma" was released in 2016. Sangeeta performs in various concerts and productions and teaches Kundalini yoga and voice internationally. As a way of giving back to her community she runs Sat Nam Yoga, a not-for-profit community Kundalini Yoga and Meditation center in Orange County, CA.

michael george land

Michael George Land is a dramatist of film, TV, and live theater as well as a gifted mystic. Both devotions stem from his belief the universe is an ongoing narrative with countless roles. It is his life’s mission to open the mind’s eye of all those willing to see, by exploring the meaning of our current roles within modern formats. His work is renowned for its ability to pull back the veil on worlds both seen and unseen. He is a student of all religions and practitioner of Hermetic Kabbala. He works in Los Angeles & London, and is also famed for his ability to tame dragons.

Creative Director and Associate Choreographer of the "Niguma" Mantra Opera.

Bobby newberry

Bobby Newberry is a creative director, choreographer, teacher, and singer/songwriter. His work in the entertainment industry has led to an outstanding list of credits spanning live stage, TV, and music videos as well as over 25 million views on YouTube. He has worked with top artists such as the Pussycat Dolls, Eminem, Girlicious, Missy Elliot, Kelis, and Lil’ Wayne, and with some of the biggest artists in Asia. He’s been on creative teams for many TV shows as well, including X Factor, Dancing with the Stars, Conan O’Brien, Good Morning America, The Today Show, and America’s Got Talent. Bobby was recognized for his outstanding choreography in the Pussycat Dolls’ music video “When I Grow Up”, and received the 2008 “Best Dance Video” VMA award. He also released his first EP THENEWBERRYSPECIAL in 2014, which was received with great success and made its debut on the Billboard charts. The pop group Danity Kane asked Bobby to join them for their #DKNOFILTER tour, and he debuted as their opening act in venues all along the west coast, while also working as their creative director and choreographer. He is currently writing and recording his full album set to debut later this year. Bobby is so grateful to work with such passionate artists in the Niguma Opera, and he’s honored to be the creative director of this show.

Associate Creative Director and Associate Choreographer of the "Niguma" Mantra Opera.

Mel mah

Mel Mah was born and raised in Toronto, Canada, and she has been involved in the performing arts since she was a little girl. At 19, Mel competed on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA, and she made it into the top 6. She moved to LA shortly after that, and she experienced much success as a professional dancer. Mel performed on America’s Got Talent, Dancing With The Stars, X Factor, The Voice, and Glee, and she has worked for top artists such as Janet Jackson, Justin Bieber, Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Kanye West, Alicia Keys, and Nicki Minaj. Mel also found a deep love for practicing and teaching yoga, and she has her 250-hour Vinyasa yoga teaching certification. Yoga has kept her grounded in her purpose, and she strongly believes in the transformative power of the practice. Her passion lies in guiding students to apply the lessons learned on the mat into their daily lives. Mel recently co-founded the girls’ empowerment workshop YOU GOT THIS, GIRL! (ygtgofficial.com) as well, which uses dance and yoga to teach girls how to fearlessly pursue their own dreams. Mel is honored to be the associate creative director of the Niguma Opera, and she is so excited to share this special experience with the audience tonight! Namaste, and enjoy.

Talia favia

Talia Favia is a Los Angeles based Choreographer, Dancer, Artist, and creator/artistic director of LIV Dance. She has taught and choreographed all over the United States, Czech Republic, Poland, Russia, and has choreographed on "So You Think You Can Dance" Vietnam. Along with traveling the world, Talia is the founder and director of her Los Angeles based contemporary company, "The Difference Between." Talia and her company had their first show, "The Difference Between Sinking & Drowning" in Phoenix, AZ and performed to a sold out audience in 2013. In 2014, she brought the show to Los Angeles, CA and was fortunate enough to perform for another sold out audience. Talia's dream to keep her company going is becoming reality.

Favia's accomplishments include being a finalist in the 2014 Capezio A.C.E Awards where she and her company took home 1st place. In July of 2015, Favia's company took the stage with a brand new show, "The Difference Between Actions & Words" at Dancerpalooza in Long Beach, CA where her work preceded to touch and affect a brand new sold out audience. Favia's blessings increased soon after when she went straight into rehearsal for Season 12 of So You Think You Can Dance. Talia choreographed Peta & Nyle's finale number on "Dancing With The Stars" that had all the viewers and audiences one their feet and in tears. And these are all to name a phew!

Talia's choreography has been described as challenging from the inside out. Her passion and love for teaching is indescribable when you see her in a room and watch her spread her knowledge to the next generation.

Music Director and Keyboard of the "Niguma" Mantra Opera.

nicolas neidhardt

Nicolas Neidhardt was born in Mainz, Germany in 1963. He moved to Paris in 1983, studied jazz at the C.I.M. and, simultaneously studied classical piano with world famous concert pianist Françoise Buffet. His skills with synthesizers and music software opened the doors to Paris’ recording studios, he found himself working next door to Prince, Eurythmics, and Tina Turner. Nicolas joins the Canal+ house band, backing up Seal, Tom Jones, Dee-Dee Bridgewater, Nina Hagen, Vanessa Paradis and many more, performing more than 1000 shows « live on air » He meets Alexandre Desplat, performing some of Alexandre’s music at the Cannes Film Festival He co-composes his first N°1 Hit in France, one of the ten best-selling records in 1996. He collaborates on many films and tv shows, produces albums for french artists and records his first solo album, « Moments ». In 2009, he played New York City’s Webster Hall. The animation movie « Titeuf », co-scored by Nicolas, was a big success. SONY Music Classical released two of Nicolas’ solo piano tracks as part of a compilation featuring Ryuichi Sakamoto and Philip Glass in early 2012. He’s currently working on many projects for film and tv. www.nicolasneidhardt.com

andrew winghart

Andrew Winghart is a Los Angeles-based choreographer known for his unique and high-energy compositions and intricately crafted staging patterns. Originally from Wisconsin, Andrew moved to Los Angeles to attend the University of Southern California on a full-tuition academic scholarship from which he graduated in May of 2014. While studying Business Administration and Cinematic Arts at USC, he quickly started making a name for himself in the Los Angeles dance community. Since then Andrew has choreographed for musical artists like Jeremih (Def Jam) and Ryan McDermott (G.O.O.D. Music), short films, and numerous live performances in Los Angeles. He has appeared in Dance Spirit and Dance Magazine, and was most recently featured in the July 2015 issue of Dance Informa Magazine. In 2015 Andrew premiered two new full length works, “Emergence” & “Demiurge” to sold out audiences in Los Angeles and Long Beach and was awarded 1st Runner-Up at the Capezio A.C.E. Awards. His clear and dynamic viewpoint has continued to solidify his position as a next generation talent in the dance community

Associate Choreographer of the "Niguma" Mantra Opera.

julz tocker

Julz Tocker is a New Zealand born Actor, Dancer, Model and entrepreneur. He moved to Australia at 16 years old then London, Italy, Asia and finally America. Currently with the USA Broadway show Dirty Dancing, Julz also studies acting and has trained in the competitive dance world for 14 years. He has been part of the Dancing With The Stars brand for 5 years as a professional dancer, troupe and choreographer through 5 countries. He's a New Zealand, Australian Irish and international ballroom Latin dance champion. As well as studying acting in Los Angeles with Diana Castle, he runs dance studio Just Dance Los Angeles in Studio City and also partners with Slapsee, a new sunglass line.

courtney schwartz

She may be small but she is mighty! from Acrobatics to contemporary to acting Courtney Schwartz can do it all. Courtney grew up in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania where she trained vigorously from 2 years olds to 18 years old at her home dance studio, Studio 19. Right after graduating Courtney toured with Odyssey Dance company for two years while fulfilling her prestigious award "lifetime assistant" for dance convention Artist Simply Human where her opportunities started to sky rocket. She has worked with the industries finest such as Talia Favia, Wade Robson, Dee Caspary, Mandy Moore, Jaci Royal, Andrew Winghart, and Chaz Buzan just to name a few! Courtney's hard work and incredible work ethic has landed her as Talia Favia's right hand dancer and assistant two years ago. From So You Think You Can Dance, Vietnam, to Dancing With The Stars Courtney has been behind the scenes to help bring Favia's Visions to life. Her growth has suspended and shocked everyone who gets the pleasure of watching her move. In case just dancing wasn't enough, Courtney was recently just casted the role as head cheerleader Samantha on "Girl Meets World". With Schwartz's dependable attributes, she is now currently on tour with one of the industries hottest dance conventions around "RADIX" as their demonstrator where not only is she assisting all of Talia's demanding choreography and classes, but also demonstrating work of artists such as Brian Friedman, NAPPYTABS, Tyce Diorio, and many more. Courtney Schwartz has only just begun and her journey does nothing but get more exciting everyday.

Plays 'Lady Niguma' in the "Niguma" Mantra Opera.

rachel markarian

Originally from Boston, Rachael grew up immersing herself in the Arts. She attended a Performing Arts High School, then forwarded her training while on scholarships in NYC, and finally went on to attend Oklahoma City University as a Theatre & Dance Performance Major.

Upon moving to Los Angeles, Rachael has enjoyed a successfully career as a Dancer & Actress. She's toured the world and danced for artists such as Rihanna, Katy Perry, Beyonce, Pink, Justin Timberlake, Kanye West, Cher and many more. She's done over 30 Films, TV Shows & Commercials including, Rush Hour 3, True Blood, Behind the Candelabra, Gilmore Girls Revival, No Strings Attached, Glee, Dr. Ken, How I Met Your Mother, Bones, Vegas, CSI, Criminal Minds, The Hustle, Nip/Tuck, The Haunted Mansion, Southland Tales, H&M Campaign, Microsoft, Blackberry, Toyota, Honda, and many more. Her 2 latest films Dance Night Obsession and Mascots will be released later this year. And, she recently finished choreographing the latest holiday commercial for Target.

Rachael is also the proud owner of The Dancer's Edge, an elite dance experience that empowers and educates the aspiring dancer through Master Classes & Educational Workshops. Sharing her knowledge with the next generation of dancers is a huge passion of hers.

Combining her love for the theatre and dance, Rachael is humbled and thrilled to embody Lady Niguma. She's honored to be part of this special production and share the stage with such talented artists.

Plays 'Suitor' in the "Niguma" Mantra Opera.

chaz buzan

Chaz Buzan grew up in Scottsdale, AZ, and started training at Arizona Angels Dance Studio at the age of 13. Most of Chaz's early dance training came from his time with Dana Metz and Natasha Louis with the pre-professional company "Initial Existence." He soon met the renowned Mia Michaels at "The PULSE On Tour" where he began assisting her and worked closely with her on various projects. Chaz has had a very successful career and his credits include Cirque du Soleil "Believe," Florence + the Machine’s MTV VMA performance, Britney Spears' "Hold It Against Me" Music Video, Demi Lovato’s performance on "Dancing with the Stars," and Madonna's "MDNA World Tour 2012." Chaz also made his film debut as “The Angel of Love” in the short film "Secret Project Love Revolution" directed by Madonna. Buzan is now the male principal dancer for Talia Favia's contemporary company "The Difference Between”, and he has performed as the lead male dancer in the company’s show “The Difference Between Sinking & Drowning” in Scottsdale, AZ and in Hollywood, CA. Chaz continues to travel the globe, passionately sharing the information he has gained throughout his career and merging humanity with movement.

"I believe you must first bring a Human quality to your Art, to then reach an audience by Performing realism, through Movement." - Chaz Buzan

Plays 'Manda's Father' in the "Niguma" Mantra Opera.

chazz del-logen cooks

Chazz Del-Logen Cooks, originally from Tampa FL, moved to Miami, FL at the age of 16 years old to continue training in dance, and he just moved to Los Angeles in 2016 to pursue a career in the commercial and modeling industry. Signed with Bloc LA Talent Agency, Chazz has worked with many contemporary and modern companies in LA such as Kybele Dance Theater, The Difference Between Dance Company, BrockusRED, MarInspired; The Storytellers, under the direction of Seda Aybay, Talia Favia, Deborah Brockus, and Marinda Davis. Chazz has trained with Victor Smalley, Angel Armas, Duncan Cooper, and Alonzo King Lines Program with various instructors over the years. Chazz discovered Yoga after moving to Los Angeles and fell in love with it immediately and is currently in the process of getting his Yoga teaching certification through Corepower Yoga. Chazz continues to teach dance at studies all over the east and west coast and spends his spare time reading, researching, and practicing ways to reach Enlightenment.

Plays 'Manda's Mother' in the "Niguma" Mantra Opera.

sloan-taylor rabinor

Sloan-Taylor grew up and trained in Phoenix in Arizona. Sloan’s love for dance took her to Los Angeles in 2009. Starting out fresh in a new place Sloan’s ability landed her a spot as a backup dancer for Lady Gaga’s iconic performance on the 2009 VMA’s. Since then she has done 3 world tours with her. Other than Gaga, Sloan has danced with artist such as Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber, and Gwen Stefani. Currently, while still pursuing her love for dance, Sloan spends her free time in LA spreading her love for fitness through Pilates and yoga. She is very excited to be a part of a show that combines her passions of dance and fitness into one night of art.

Plays 'Purity' in the "Niguma" Mantra Opera.

summer vu

Summer Vu began dancing at the age of 9. She currently is attending Artistic Motion Dance Studio in Gilbert Arizona where she studies many genres of dance style such as contemporary, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, tap, musical theatre, and ballet. Summer also attends a pre professional ballet program with Youth American Ballet Company. She has a love and passion for all dance styles and strives and challenges herself to learn as much as she can in each genre. In addition to her love for dance, Summer knows the importance of a great education and is a 4.0 student in school. Miss Vu in her 4 years has won many high awards for her solos at nationally well known competitions, is 2016 top 10 Junior Radix National winner, and 2016 Celebrity Nationals Teen 1st overall and Star Awards winner.

Plays 'Yogini 1' in the "Niguma" Mantra Opera.

jorgen makena

Jorgen Makena moved to Los Angeles from Salt Lake City at the age of seventeen. She booked her first dance job on an episode of Disney Channels “Austin and Ally” shortly after. Other credits include: Skechers, AT&T, BMW, America’s Got Talent, E! Entertainment, Kalin and Myles, SYTYCD: Experience, Ulta Beauty, RedKen: Sam Villa and LA Fashion Week. Jorgen has been seen on season 6 of Glee on Fox as a “Cheerio” and on Nickelodeon and Disney Channel as “Jewel Sparkles” in Lalaloopsy Girls commercials. She recently returned from Beijing and Nanjing, China dancing for Chinese pop artist Z.TAO. She can currently be seen in his recent music video “Black White”.

Jorgen continues to shape her craft and career, moving forward towards bigger goals. She is passionate, fearless and excited for every new challenge that comes her way. She has loved every step of this journey with the Niguma team and is incredibly grateful to share the stage with such a beautiful artist and inspiring dancers. The opportunity to perform with Sangeeta, in a show with such a meaningful story is something she couldn't have dreamt up herself. Thank you for your love and support. Enjoy the show!

Plays 'Yogini 2' in the "Niguma" Mantra Opera.

haley messick

Haley Messick has been dancing since the age of 2. She began her competitive dance career at the age of 5, winning many national titles, scholarships, and speciality awards. She is trained in Contemporary, Jazz, Jazz Funk, Hip Hop, Ballet, and Modern. Along with participating in an array of commercial work, she has been awarded Cirque Du Soleil breakout artist for Michael Jackson One. Haley has recently performed alongside Bobby Newberry at San Diego Pride and worked Bobbys Beat Camp. You can also spot Haley in Bobby's music video for "Goodbye" and "Serial Killer." Haley assists JoJo Gomez and has recently been featured by billboard dancing to "SuperLove" by Tinashe. She worked alongside JoJo as assistant choreographer for a recent episode of "Game Shakers" on Nickelodeon. She has also teamed up with Jaime King and choreographed opening pieces for Jaime's live poetry reading and show "The Final Chapter." This past summer she also performed at BuildaBeast! Haley has just wrapped up a short film for Sundance "This is what makes us girls." Since newly turning 18, she is actively auditioning in LA, taking class, and assisting. Look out for the launch of an amazing crew she is a part of!

Plays 'Yogini 3' in the "Niguma" Mantra Opera.

madelyne spang

Madelyne Spang was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pa where she began her dance training for the first 17 years of her life. She recently traveled cross country and now resides in Orange County, Ca where she has been furthering her dance education. Although Madelyne enjoys all styles of dance, her unique blend of acrobatics, contortion and tumbling brings something different to the table. Her most recent credits include, "Every Single Step", Raigns music video "When It's All Over", "Americas Got Talent" and many more. Madelyne is honored to be sharing the stage tonight with such beautiful and talented artists.

Plays 'Yogi 4' in the "Niguma" Mantra Opera.

grayson mcguire

Grayson McGuire, originally from Kansas City, moved to Los Angeles in 2012 to pursue a career in the commercial dance industry. Represented by Clear Talent Group, Grayson is currently a member of Dana Foglia Dance and Entity Contemporary Dance Company, under the direction of Marissa Osato and Will Johnston. Grayson has danced for Lady Gaga, Twenty One Pilots, Helene Fischer, Asia Monet, Trevor Moran, Shane Dawson, and more. Grayson’s training stems from a ballet background where he trained at The School of American Ballet, and The Rock, he has also studied Yoga for the past 3 years at various studios across Los Angeles. While training and working as a dancer, Grayson has taught at studios all around Southern California including Elite Dance Studio, Boogiezone Utopia, CF Dance Academy, The Dance company, Carlsbad Dance Center, Evoke Dance and more.

Plays 'Yogi 5' in the "Niguma" Mantra Opera.

antonio martinez

Antonio Martinez is 1st generation Mexican American, Chicago born, raised in Wagoner Oklahoma, & now resides in Hollywood, CA. With a dance degree from Oklahoma City University & training from Toronto School of Circus Arts & continued training in LA. He has worked on TV, Film, Music Videos, Stage, Tours, Industrials, & Commercials as a versatile Dancer, Aerialist, & Choreographer. His recent TV credits include The Ellen Show as a free style dancer, Gilmore Girls as a Tango Dancer for Marguerite Derricks, New Girl as a Bollywood dancer, & Jane The Virgin as a latin dancer! Other recent credits include NuSkin Industrial & Dancing To The Movies as a dancer & aerialist performer / Choreographer, Dancing With The Stars, Bun Heads, True Blood, America's Got Talent, Beach Body Fitness, & the International Tour of West Side Story. Antonio prides himself on being a versatile performer & his favorite quote is "Luck is preparation meeting opportunity"-unknown.

Plays 'Yogini 6' in the "Niguma" Mantra Opera.

meredith ostrowsky

Meredith is a dancer, aerialist, and actress from southern California. She holds a B.A. in Dance as well as a B.A. in Art History from the University of California, Irvine (both with honors Cum Laude). While studying at UCI, Meredith was a member of the school’s prestigious modern dance company, the Etude Ensemble.

Since completing her degrees, Meredith has been pursuing her career as a performer in Los Angeles. She has appeared in music videos, fitness programs, commercials, TV, film, live shows, and tours. Some of the artists she’s worked with include: Katy Perry, Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, Rihanna, and Daft Punk. Meredith also toured with Taylor Swift on the Speak Now World Tour. Other favorite projects: hit TV shows Mad Men and Key and Peele, Disney, Radio City Christmas Spectacular, BURLESQUE (feature film), Behind the Candelabra (HBO film), American Music Awards, ACM Awards, and LA Opera.

Meredith’s love for acrobatics and the desire to expand her art led to her training as an aerialist. Some of her aerial credits include: L’effleur des Sens cabaret show, Lincoln commercial, American Idol, and Taylor Swift’s Speak Now World Tour.

For more information on Meredith: www.meredithostrowsky.com or Twitter/Instagram: @merostrowsky

Backing Vocals in the "Niguma" Mantra Opera.

onyay pheori

Onyay Pheori is a vocalist, violinist, multi-instrumentalist, music producer, healer, activist and actress who tours internationally and writes music for film and television. She is currently recording guided meditations for deep healing and an EP with her new alt rock/electronic project. Onyay has traveled to 33 countries and has sung & played her violin in caves, ruins, temples, pyramids, jungles and forests around the world, exploring spiritual knowledge and sacred mysteries. She is thrilled to be a part of the premiere of Niguma. May all souls be blessed with divine union, inner liberation, deep peace, expansive joy, bountiful abundance, extraordinary connection, epic love and true fulfillment.

Electric Guitar in the "Niguma" Mantra Opera.

fritz heede

Fritz Heede is a Los Angeles based music composer/producer and multi-instrumentalist who weaves eastern and western influences into dramatic and evocative works. He is best known for his music for feature films and television specials like NBC’s Emmy winning “Mystery of the Sphinx” where he worked with Charlton Heston. This launched his Egyptian period that lead him to go to Giza and record in the King’s Chamber of the Great Pyramid and more recently the SyFy Event “Aliens On The Moon”.

He is an accomplished guitarist having specialized in Electric guitar and Flamenco guitar. He is competent with the Indian Sitar and the Turkish Saz and has skills with exotic hand drum percussion. Though, he works mainly with piano and electronic keyboards, he prefers to incorporate acoustic instruments in his music for their organic articulations.

Fritz performed with the World music ensemble "Mystic Journey" for five years and has worked with notable artists like Jon Anderson of YES. Most recently he has teamed up with Sangeeta Kaur and is featured on her new album Niguma.

Acoustic Guitar in the "Niguma" Mantra Opera.

dat nguyen

Dat Nguyen was born in 1970 in Viet Nam, blind from birth and orphaned at the age of five. He began his music studies at age eleven, playing drums, and became interested in classical music a few years later. In 1989, at the age of 18, he was introduced for the first time to the recordings of famed Spanish guitarist Andres Segovia, and an immediate enchantment with the guitar and its music led him to decide to devote his life to studying and performing on the classical guitar. He was a prize-winning guitarist in the Disney Creativity Challenge and won many other awards for his talent throughout his career. He later studied guitar at California State University, Fullerton, under the direction of Professor David Grimes and graduated in 1999. He has built for himself a large fan base in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, primarily in Vietnamese ethnicity groups but also in mainstream communities as well. He performed with Stevie Wonder in 2007 in Hollywood while with the rock band Bayadera. He produced three CDs under his name, each of which is a labor of love and many years of hard work. Currently, he continues to tour the world sharing his gift and love for music.

mark gorman

Mark Gorman honed his bass skills in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, playing with the likes of Robert Hazard (RCA recording artist and writer of “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”) and as a founding member of Sire Records’ Martin’s Dam. Upon relocating to Los Angeles, Mark hit the ground running, finding his niche in the world of mantra as bass player for Grammy-nominated Sanskrit chanting artist Krishna Das, while also writing music for film & TV. Mark has performed or recorded with legends Jackson Browne, Jeff Bridges, Peter Himmelman, Trevor Hall, Julia Fordham, Ice-T, Jai Uttal, Jerry Marotta (Peter Gabriel), Steve Ferrone (Tom Petty) and John Densmore (The Doors), among others. As an L.A. session player, Mark continues to explore new musical avenues in multiple genres, from alternative to ambient & roots to rock.

Percussion in the "Niguma" Mantra Opera.

cedric leonardi

Cedric Leonardi has been drumming since he was 12. Thirty three years later the former Gipsy Kings drummer is still enthralled by the impact that his instrument of choice has on audiences. "The sound current exists in its most primal and urgent form with the sound of the drum. Its a call to ancients and a recalibration of the future, all expressed in the wild present moment. Drums are the original mantra straight out of the universe."

Ced moved to Los Angeles in 2011 to explore a music evolution of the gypsy rumba from his Carmague childhood. Enlisting the support of The Gipsy Kings clan, Ced formed Gypsy Sound Revolution with Mario and Georges Reyes.

The project returns the rumba to the home of all gypsy culture, Rajasthan.

An indophile and yogi, Ced finds this the perfect mission. His curiosity and love for the rhythms of India fuel this project.

"Music came out of the caves of India. The original drummers tapped the universal heart beat for the healing of people. Its a privilege to go deep in the exploration of this through all musical styles." Ced's mission includes igniting the love and spirit of music in the hearts of school children.

He has created programs for the Chaka Khan Foundation and the Agape Spiritual center.

wendy tahara

Los Angeles native Wendy Tahara has had a lifelong love affair with music. She began classical piano lessons at age seven, and learned to play flute, oboe, cello, and taiko drums along the way before discovering a new profound love for the Celtic harp 9 years ago. At about the same time she started playing the Celtic harp, she went through a sort of spiritual awakening as she made some dramatic life changes and discovered kundalini yoga, which placed her on an amazing spiritual path which continues to guide her to this day. She has a deep passion for creating music which is healing to the human spirit. Her angelic harp compositions have been described as “soulful, evocative, heart-healing, compassionate, soothing, stirring, passionate, thrilling.”

Wendy often plays for the spiritual/healing/kundalini yogic communities, providing music for yoga classes, meditations, sound baths, and festivals. She has been featured on albums for Satkirin Kaur Khalsa, Guru Shabad Singh Khalsa, Lee Mirabai Harrison, and Sangeeta Kaur. She has composed music and performed for the healing gazer Braco, toured with musical artist Ashana, and provided meditation music for The Agape International Spiritual Center in Culver City for Michael Bernard Beckwith. Wendy is also an accomplished dance musician, and has played for such artists as Amanda McKerrow, John Gardner, and the late David Howard. She currently enjoys playing for dance classes at Westside School of Ballet in Santa Monica, CA.

Violin for the Autry String Quartet in the "Niguma" Mantra Opera. — Violin for the Autry String Quartet in the "Niguma" Mantra Opera.

Étienne Gara

Praised for the warm tone and expressiveness of his playing, French born violinist Étienne Gara has performed extensively worldwide in some of the most renowned venues.

Internationally broadcast on TV and radio and numerous awards winner, Mr. Gara is the founding member of the award wining Sunset Club Trio, an ensemble joining the forces of the violin, the electric and the flamenco guitar in their own arrangements of the great classical repertoire.

In addition to his solo career, he was appointed concertmaster for the grand opening of the new Auditorium of the Mozarteum in Salzburg and since then, acts regularly as concertmaster for orchestras including the Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra, under Carlo Ponti, and the Kontrapunktus Chamber Orchestra. He also appears as guest principal violin with many ensembles in halls such as Disney Concert Hall and the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles.

A graduate of the New England Conservatory, he also studied with Midori at USC and was invited to join star violinist Itzhak Perlman at his festival in NY as well as residencies in Sarasota, FL and Israel.

He recently cut a CD of French music produced by Grammy Awards winner Herbert Waltl and played on the “Leonora Jackson”, a 1714 Stradivarius.

For more info about Mr. Gara: www.etiennegara.com

haruka horii

Having grown up in Switzerland and Tokyo, Haruka went to NY to study classical violin with Juilliard professor Masao Kawasaki as a teen. She then went on to study under Michèle Auclair at New England Conservatory where she soon became fascinated with jazz and composition. After a stint in New York and Dubai, she now resides in Los Angeles and continues to arrange strings for artists signed to international labels including Sony and Universal Music, and performs and records as a violinist as well as vocalist.

Cello for the Autry String Quartet in the "Niguma" Mantra Opera. — Cello for the Autry String Quartet in the "Niguma" Mantra Opera.

suyeon kim

Building her professional career in Los Angeles, Californiaas a soloist, chamber musician, and recording artist, Ms. Suyeon Kim has performed on such illustrious stages as Walt Disney Concert Hall, Schoenberg Hall, and LACMA Brown Auditorium. Recently, Su has recorded soundtracks for BBC’s documentary Planet Earth II. In addition, she performed in WDCH as a part of Piatigorsky International Cello Festival 2016, sharing the stage with world renown cellists such as Frans Helmerson, Mischa Maisky, Matt Haimovitz, Giovanni Sollima, Thomas Demenga, and many more.

Suyeon has been featured on KUSC Sunday’s Live Emerging Artists Series and was the lead artist featured at V.I.P. Opening Gala of L.A. Fashion Week. She has collaborated with chamber music artists Arnold Steinhardt, Ronald Leonard, and Quartor Ebene.

Suyeon Kim is a candidate for the Artist Diploma at the Colburn Conservatory School of Music in Los Angeles, California where she studies with Ronald Leonard. She is a graduate alumni of the Colburn School with a Bachelor of Music degree.

Ms. Kim plays on a 2004 William Whedbee cello and 1918 Carl Becker Sr. cello, on generous loan from the Colburn Foundation.

Viola for the Autry String Quartet in the "Niguma" Mantra Opera. — Viola for the Autry String Quartet in the "Niguma" Mantra Opera.

kevin hsu

Kevin Hsu is a violist hailing from the USA, where he has studied at the New England Conservatory under the tutelage of Martha Strongin Katz and the USC Thornton School of Music with Michael Tree and Che-yen Brian Chen. Mr. Hsu has performed and worked with the likes of legendary musicians such as Alfred Brendel and Midori Goto, and has worked extensively with renowned artists such as Donald and Vivian Weilerstein, Roger Tapping, Glenn Dicterow, Nobuko Imai, Antoine Tamestit, and many more. Mr. Hsu has also been invited to participate in many chamber music festivals such as Krzyzowa-music in Poland, and orchestral festivals such as the Pacific Music Festival in Japan, where he has also led as principal violist.

Kevin is currently playing on a 2006 Massimo Semiani viola, made in Cremona, Italy.