RAVI SHANKAR

Early day motion 863, tabled 17 December 2012 by Valerie Vaz (Labour). Signed by 17 members.

That this House is saddened by the recent death of Ravi Shankar, world acclaimed sitar player, at the age of 92 years; recognises him as a pioneer of music who popularised new global styles and instruments by bringing Indian classical music to a new mass audience; notes the talent of Ravi Shankar as a musician who stayed true to Indian music; further notes the great complexity, skill and patience required in the lifelong mastering of the sitar; further notes that playing any musical instrument is a continual source of learning; further notes the significance of musical education in schools as a means by which to foster young talent and encourage such learning; continues to support musical education as an important part of the National Curriculum; and believes Ravi Shankar will continue to inspire younger generations as the main proponent of bringing one of the oldest forms of classical music to a mass audience.

Signatures by party: Labour 14, Conservative 1, Liberal Democrat 1, Scottish National Party 1.