After a classical training in cello, Gabriel Dharmoo studied composition with Hugues Leclair (2000) and Éric Morin (2000-03). However, it is at the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal that he truly dedicated himself to composition, under the teachings of Serge Provost (2003-07). He finished his studies with a “Prix avec grande distinction”, the highest honor to be awarded, in both composition (2006) and analysis (2007).
Having researched South Indian Carnatic music with 4 renowned masters in Chennai (India) in 2008, his recent work is strongly focused on integrating elements of this music to his personal style (Moondraal Moondru, Vaai Irandu, Sung in a Rickshaw, Pushpangalin Mutthiraigal).
In 2011, he wins the Prix d’Europe de composition Fernand-Lindsay as well as the Robert Fleming Prize from Canada Council for the Arts. Five of his works have been awarded prizes at the SOCAN awards for Young Composers: Vaai Irandu (Second prize — 2010), Le jour de mon mariage avec Dieu (Second prize — 2008), Chapelets (Second prize — 2008), D’arts moults (Third prize — 2006) and À l’Homme (First prize — 2002).
He has received grants from CAC, CALQ, SODEC, OFQJ, the Joseph-McAbbie Foundation and both the Student Association and the Alumni Association of the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal. He is a member of the Canadian Music Centre and The Canadian League of Composers and his music has been broadcast on CBC Radio, CKIA (Québec) and CKUT (Montréal).
His works have been performed and/or commissioned by established and emerging musical ensembles from Canada (ECM+, Arraymusic, Codes d’accès, Ensemble Chorum, Erreur de type 27, Motion Ensemble, Reveille Trumpet Collective, Alizé). He has also attended various workshops such as the Domaine Forget New Music Session (2006), the Arraymusic Young Composers Workshop (2008) and the Banff Centre Music Residencies (2011).
He frequently collaborates with filmmakers, visual artists and choreographers. He has provided music for short films screened in festivals across North America, Europe and South America. His musical contribution to short films has been twice noticed at the Festival International du Film d’Aubagne (France), which focuses on sound/image collaborations.
As an improviser, Gabriel Dharmoo works both as a vocalist and cellist. He studied improvisation with René Lussier and has played various venues with established improvisers such as the Mardi Spaghetti series, the Codes d’accès Tentacules.10 event, the Montréal Off Jazz Festival and Festival International de Musique Universelle (Trois-Rivières).
Aside from his various artistic projects, he is very active on the Montréal musical scene where he lives and works.
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