Upendra Lal Singh

UPENDRA LAL SINGH — PIANIST, NEPAL.

Upendra Lal Singh is a musician/pianist based in Kathmandu, Nepal. A veteran pianist, for more than 20 years, he has been actively involved in creative musicianship since completing his formal schooling in music theory from Suparnagan School of Music, Thailand. He is till date, the first and the only Nepali musician formally educated exclusively on the piano. He is also a seasoned music campaigner involved in various wide ranging genres from classical to jazz to rock. Having garnered a multitude of cultural influences from his travels and performances around the world, his musical prowess is inspired and influenced from a diverse pool of world musicians.

Since his return to his homeland in 1996, his focus has been on creating superlative music that is well based on a sound western musical theory but applied to ethnic/traditional styles prevalent in rich Nepali culture. Undoubtedly, Upendra is one of those rare and unique musicians Nepal has produced till date. Upendra using his masterful skills on the piano and compositional prowess has been a successful example in Nepal for many to follow in creating music for a global audience.

Of his notable creations, his vision and execution Of musically diverse projects like Murchanna, Upendra and Friends and recently self titled Upendra on Piano are unique examples of his skills. He is a widely recognized senior musician and also a highly respected Piano teacher in Nepal. As such, he has lent a considerable amount of his time teaching young pianists carve their skills on the instrument. It is well worth to say that he is almost singlehandedly responsible for the continuation and popularization of piano based music in the country.

A highly in-demand musician, Upendra is often traveling within the country and beyond to perform. Of his notable appearances, he (and his ensemble) is a regular performer at the prestigious annual Fuji Rock festival held in Japan since 2005. He is also the only Nepali performer to annually perform at an international event of that magnitude. As a pianist, he is well received in Japan and is presently promoting his albums there.

A humble and kind human being, Upendra believes in dedicating a part of his life in contributing to social work and charity. His personal efforts include ‘let’s Play Nepal’ where he collects and contributes his own funds to provide toys and educational materials to underprivileged children in rural areas of Nepal.

Upendra Lal Singh is a truly gifted musician and a Piano maestro who is definitely worthy of worldwide acclaim and as such, a deserving Nepali representative to an esteemed roster of globally significant musicians.