Concert 1:
Vignesh Ishwar (Vocal)
Vignesh Ishwar embodies a harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation, a maestro whose resonance extends beyond melodies, weaving a vibrant legacy at the intersection of music and humanity. Nurtured by the profound tutelage of Palakkad Shri T S Anantharama Bhagawathar from an early age, Vignesh’s artistic journey flourished under the mentorship of the distinguished Sri T M Krishna. With a career marked by prestigious performances worldwide, including over 15 years gracing the revered stages of Chennai’s December Music Festival and enthralling diverse global audiences from Singapore to the United States, Vignesh’s artistry extends beyond melodious renditions to encompass enlightening lectures and empowering workshops.
A recipient of esteemed awards like the MS Subbulakshmi Award and the MLV Award, he is also recognized as a graded artist of ‘All India Radio Chennai,’ with accolades from critics and connoisseurs that affirm his profound impact. Vignesh’s synergy of music and technology led him to contribute actively to the CompMusic project by the European Research Council, yielding a legacy of publications in international academic forums. A devoted volunteer and advocate for the arts, he engages ardently in initiatives such as Svanubhava and Chennai Kalai Theru Vizha, while his leadership in establishing the Sumanasa Foundation’s COVID-19 Artist Support Fund, alongside his mentor T.M. Krishna, reflects his dedication to uplifting marginalized artists in times of need.
Kamalakiran Vinjamuri (Violin)
Kamalakiran Vinjamuri embarked on his violin journey under the guidance of his grandfather, Sri. Parthasarathy Iyengar, and later honed his skills under the tutelage of Smt. Malladi Vijayalakshmi and his father, Sri. Subhash Vinjamuri. Since 2006, his artistic path has been shaped by Sangeethakalanidhi A. Kanyakumari. Kamalakiran’s virtuosity has garnered accolades from institutions including Sri Mylapore Fine Arts and Sri Parthasarathy Swami Sabha, with notable distinctions at Sri Krishna Gana Sabha and the revered Music Academy in Chennai. Renowned both as a soloist and an accompanist, Kamalakiran’s musical finesse has harmonized with artists across generations, bridging genres and continents with performances that have resonated across Asia, the US, and Europe.
Sumesh Narayanan (Mridangam)
Sumesh Narayanan stands as an exceptional and highly sought-after Carnatic percussionist within the contemporary musical landscape. His journey has been deeply enriched by two decades of training under the guidance of Mridangam Maestro Sangita Kalanidhi Dr. Thiruvaarur Bakthavathsalam, a mentorship that continues to shape his artistry. Possessing a rare duality, Sumesh embodies both a dedicated commitment to mastering the intricate traditions of mridangam in the Carnatic 5style and an expansive, open-minded perspective that seamlessly integrates him into innovative and cross-disciplinary ventures. As a dynamic contributor and admired visionary, Sumesh’s energetic and inventive playing has earned him a distinctive place at the intersection of tradition and innovation.
Anirudh Athreya (Kanjira)
Anirudh Athreya, a scion of a revered musical lineage, carries forward an extraordinary legacy as the great-grandson of legends Sri Papa KS Venkatramiah and Alathur Sri Subbier, alongside his renowned violinist grandfather Vidwan Sri V Thyagarajan. A natural proclivity for rhythm and percussion led him to his grand uncle, Kanjira Maestro Sri V Nagarajan, who nurtured his talent and initiated him into the art of the Kanjira. Guided by the masterful touch of Mridangam wizard Dr. TK Murthy, Anirudh’s artistry blossomed, distinguished by his majestic tone and innate sensitivity to melodic nuances. His global footprint spans extensive performances in India and beyond, anointing him as the youngest Kanjira artist to accompany esteemed figures in Carnatic Music, including violin and mridangam stalwarts. His prodigious accomplishments culminated in the prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, a crowning recognition for one of the youngest luminaries in Carnatic music. Notably, Anirudh graced the United Nations stage in 2016, commemorating World Non-Violence Day alongside legendary musician Sudha Ragunathan, marking a resonant connection to the iconic performance of Bharat Ratna Dr. M.S. Subbulakshmi at the UN.
Concert 2:
Ramana Balachandran (Veena)
Ramana Balachandhran is a Vainika in the Carnatic music tradition. His talent for music was noticed when at a young age he could identify ragas and point out nuances. He has been performing from the age of twelve and was awarded a direct A grade by AIR after auditioning at the age of sixteen. Ramana started his Vocal training with his mother Sharanya Balachandhran. He then pursued Veena under Vidushi B Nagalakshmi (granddaughter of Karaikudi Sri Subbarama Iyer) for a period of 3 years and continues under his father Sri Balachandhran. He also pursued Vocal from Sangita Kala Acharya, Smt Neela Ramgopal and Mridangam from Laya Kala Pratibha Mani, Sri Ranganatha Chakravarthy.
Patri Satish Kumar (Mridangam)
Patri Satish Kumar, a renowned figure in Indian Carnatic music and a master of the Mridangam percussion, emerged from a lineage steeped in musical heritage, his journey commencing at the age of 3 under the guidance of his accomplished mother, Smt. Padmavathi. His remarkable talent was unveiled on the public stage at 7, marking the onset of a distinguished career. With the mentorship of legendary gurus and over 47 years of enriching performances, Patri’s influence spans beyond stages to academia and innovation. The visionary creator of “Designer Mridangams” and the groundbreaking “TRI-M Designer Mridangam,” he redefines tradition with contemporary aesthetics. Author, curator, and recipient of prestigious awards like the Sangeet Natak Akademy Award, Patri’s rhythmic legacy resonates globally, leaving an indelible mark on music’s landscape.
Sowmiya J. Narayanan (Ghatam)
Sowmiya Narayanan is a disciple of Mridangam Maestro Trichy Sri Harikumar and Ghatam Sri Krishnaswami. Sowmiya has accompanied leading Vidhwans includes Dr M Balamuralikrishna, Dr KJ Yesudoss, Dr Kadri Gopalnath, Smt Sudha Ragunathan, Dr Suryaprakash, Sri Unnikrishnan, Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Sri Ronu Majumdar, Kamalakiran Vinjamuri and Dr Ambi Subramaniam. Sowmiya a is board of trustee of Sankara Nethralaya and conducted more than 650 plus online concerts. With this online concert series he has coordinated and received donations of more than $ 1.5 million in the last 2.5 years supporting 15000 free cataract eye surgeries to poor indigent patients of Sankara Nethralaya.
Concert 3:
Ramakrishnan Murthy (Vocal)
Ramakrishnan Murthy, acclaimed as a preeminent voice in the realm of Karnatik music, is celebrated for his unwavering commitment to tradition, keen aesthetic sensibilities, and heartfelt artistry. Beginning his musical voyage in Irvine, California, at a tender age, he discovered his ardor for Karnatik music under the guidance of Smt. Padma Kutty, whose disciplined instruction and nurturing influence ignited his artistic journey. Further enrichment came through the tutelage of veteran violinist Delhi Shri. P Sunder Rajan, followed by intense learning with R. K. Shriramkumar in Chennai. As an A grade artist in All India Radio and Doordarshan, Ramakrishnan’s melodic prowess reverberates on international stages, captivating audiences across North America, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East. Adorned with accolades, including consecutive Outstanding Vocalist honors from the Madras Music Academy, Ramakrishnan’s dedication to the transformative power of Karnatik music propels him to elevate both his craft and the spirits of those who listen, embodying a true steward of this timeless art form.
Charumathi Raghuraman (Violin)
Charumathi Raghuraman is a vibrant violin virtuoso, seamlessly blending India’s cherished Carnatic tradition with contemporary artistry. Emerging from a lineage that cherishes both creating and sharing their craft, Charumathi’s musical journey began under her mother’s guidance before formal training with esteemed Guru Smt. T.R. Balamani and a pivotal mentorship with Padma Bhushan Prof. T. N. Krishnan.
Her fusion of sound purity and profound musical depth shines as she excels in both instrumental technique and vocal subtleties, earning acclaim and awards. From debuting alongside Prof. T. N. Krishnan to collaborating on global stages, Charumathi’s resonance extends beyond music, underscored by her academic achievements and dedication to tradition’s convergence with modernity in Carnatic music.
N.C. Bharadwaj (Mridangam)
Embarking on his Mridangam journey at a tender age, N C Bharadwaj’s musical path flourished through mentorships with Srivancheyam Sri S Gopalan and Nanganallur Sri R Sriram. Currently guided by Padma Vibhushan Mridangam Legend Dr. Umayalpuram Sri K Sivaraman, he holds an ‘A Grade’ Artiste title from All India Radio, Chennai. Acknowledged with titles like “Laya Vadya Praveena” from Kalalaya, USA, and the “Kalki Krishnamurthy Memorial” award, Bharadwaj’s remarkable career includes accolades such as the “Yuva Kala Bharathi” title and the “Best Mridangam Artiste” Award from the Madras Music Academy. His collaborative spirit shines through accompaniments with renowned artists and extensive tours across the globe, enriching the musical landscape.