Amrit Kirtan

At a very young age, Amrit Kirtan was already composing her own songs on the piano to play before audiences. "I loved to sing" she says, "it gave me a sense of peace and connection to those around me." Adopted as an infant, Amrit was blessed with supportive parents who encouraged her to develop he musical talent throughout her youth. She developed both as a musician and vocalist under the expert guidance of renowned opera singer coach Alana Nicolaidi, who was then teaching at the University of Houston. Committed to her musical development, she entered the American Music and Drama Academy at 18. Upon graduating, she moved to Los Angeles, to pursue a career in acting and music. Amrit's life changed dramatically when she met a student of the Sikh faith, and felt a profound connection with the path, teachings and way of life. Intrigued, she sought out the local Gurdwara and began attending the morning sadhanas, evening chants and weekly services. "I knew I had found my home when I walked into the Gurdwara. It instantly brought me a sense of peace and a connection to God that I had never felt before." Amrit Kirtan Attending the morning Kundalini Yoga lessons inspired her to learn more. Through her studies she found her spiritual teacher in the words and lessons of Yogi Bhajan, and in the fellowship of 3HO. Through his teachings she embarked upon a yogic transformation, and 2 years later became a KRI-certified Kundalini Yoga instructor. Meeting Yogi Bhajan was a life-changing experience for Amrit that inspired her to journey to India on a voyage of self-discovery and spiritual growth. In India, Amrit was immersed in the colors and textures of their rich culture. She travelled through the plains of the Punjab and the foothills of the Himalayas, passing through some of the spiritual places of pilgrimage including Dharamsala, Rishikesh and the Golden Temple. In these sacred places she found the spiritual roots of her musical inspiration and the source of her definitive sound. On her return she continued with her pursuit of music and yoga, and her daily Sadhana. The idea of contributing her own music to the Sikh faith developed and took root after the passing of Yogi Bhajan in 2004. She contacted the renowned producer Thomas Barquee, and the album "Sacred Circle" was born of their collaboration. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.