Hailed a “stirring voice” by the New York Times, Roopa Mahadevan is a leading second-generation Indian classical and crossover vocalist in the American diaspora known for her collaborative spirit. She leads the crossover ensemble Roopa in Flux, where she works with musicians in jazz, soul/R&B, and various global traditions, directs the innovative choir Navatman Music Collective, and sings for leading Bharathanatyam and modern dancers around the world. She has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center,  MET Museum, Kennedy Millenium Stage and is a soloist on Christopher Tin’s Grammy Award-winning Calling All Dawns.

She and Emma discuss how to find your ‘flow’ in improv, the influence of her gurus and why Bulgarian choir is the perfect match with classical Indian music!

Roopa's website
Roopa's Album, Roopa in Six Yards

The three questions:

Was there a piece of art that changed everything for you?
A class by artist and activist Daniel Valdez college

Is there a piece of art that you respect, but don't like necessarily?
"Confessional art"

Give us a recommendation!
Maria Popova's The Marginalia  website/newsletter (formerly known as Brain Pickings)