WHAT IS AKSARA? The name AKSARA has Eastern Indian origins and means "Syllable of Sound". When you listen to AKSARA, a 7 woman a cappella ensemble from southern New Hampshire, their enchantingly expressive harmonies and variation in repertoire and instrumentation bring the listener to a place of composed peacefulness; an experience not an event! "What a gift! It's the best, and the energy just flows." a New Hampshire fan WHO IS AKSARA? Their individual professions and involvements are as varied as their personalities and repertoire pieces. Among the seven women you will find an animal advocate, a banker, a college professor, a computer programmer, an educational mentor, a speech pathologist and a professional musician who is also an astrologer. "And in what genre is your music?"...this is the quintessential question asked of AKSARA since its inception on June 24, 1998. And to this moment AKSARA members will tell you that their music is in a "genre of its own"! Their style is soft and gentle, evoking a sense of stillness and wonder in the listener as portrayed in the sweet lullaby, "Falling Star", as well as a sense of deep peace and healing as in the song "Gaelic Prayer". "The music truly helped me cope with the pain! It allowed me to enter into a meditative state for about an hour...It is so important that you continue your good work." another New Hampshire fan Each member emanates her own unique vocal quality yet together, their blend truly defines the meaning of AKSARA, "Syllable of Sound"; seven women, one voice; seven voices one sound! "Some might accuse me of overdosing on my CD, but I'm immersed, and thoroughly enjoying it....words don't capture what you do-the music alone does. - Althea Valentine, Resource Development & Community Relations Coordinator for CASA AKSARA's digital releases feature pieces, of which eight are original compositions by one of the members, Victoria Schneider. The song, "You Are with Me" was inspired by a German poem and the lyrics, "You Are with Me...like a treasured memory beyond a thousand dreams... carried deep within me day and night", have special meaning to the members of AKSARA. The hauntingly beautiful "Unfinished Tapestry", is a song based on the extraordinary story behind the tapestry weaving of Patryc Wiggins from Guild, NH, and "Circle of Angels", another original composition, is truly an angelic invocation of seven Archangels. May these pieces take you on a journey to your heart. WHERE HAS AKSARA PERFORMED? Services of Remembrance for Hospice since 2005 through present at Elliot Hospital (four times a year). Amedisys Hospice, Bennet Funeral Home, Home Health Hospice, Rockingham Hospice, St Joseph Hospital , Villacrest Nursing Home. Interfaith Women of NH Events, Manchester, NH Concert at Owls Head Baptist Church in Owls Head, ME Benefit Concert for the Learn to Read Program, Manchester, NH Benefit Concert for the Manchester Animal Shelter, Manchester, NH An Urban Oasis and Organic Care, Lowell, MA The “Diversity Journey Conference” in Concord, NH Carlisle Place in Bedford, NH Earth Day Performance at the Lowell Revolving Museum, Lowell, MA McIinich Art Gallery at Southern New Hampshire University New Hampshire Gay Men’s Chorus Holiday Concert WZID Benefit Concert for the Make A Wish Foundation Greater Manchester Thanksgiving Breakfast to Benefit local Soup Kitchen & Shelter YMCA Benefit for Youth Dinner Mind/Body/Spirit Conference at Elliot Hospital Alpha Delta Kappa Conference Journey into Wellness Conference Bedford Library "Sunday at the Library" Concert Series Walk for Hospice NH Historical Society Conferences at Star Island Holiday Stroll, Nashua, NH 2001-2004 Crossroads Coffeehouse in N. Andover, MA Quota International Nashua Music Festival- Arts Council of Tamworth Concert Series Barnes & Noble Bookstore, Salem & Manchester, NH Area Code 603-Benefit for Palace Theatre Benefit Appearance for PINK DAY! Adubon Center "It is exciting to find such talented musicians right in our backyard". - Sue Holstein , Community Program Coordinator, Bedford Public Library