Veteran violinist Sikkil R. Bhaskaran passed away on 20 July 2021. Dedicated exclusively to accompaniment, the artists he shared the stage with straddle generations and read like a who’s who of Carnatic music—from Maharajapuram Viswanatha Iyer, K.B. Sundarambal and M.M. Dandapani Desigar to Sikkil Mala Chandrasekhar, N. Vijay Siva and…
Indian classical music received a unique shot in the arm when leading Carnatic musician and teacher, senior violinist A. Kanyakumari, was mentioned in the United States’ Congressional Record, the official written annals of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress. Raja Krishnamoorthi, of the United States’ House of…
If one has to be recognised in Carnatic music, one just HAS to relocate to Chennai, it is said. There can be no substitute for listening to live concerts is also oft-heard. This respected violinist, however, has put paid to both the above statements. Charulatha Ramanujam is appreciated not only…
This artiste was extremely clear that music was what he wanted to pursue and would have discontinued his studies after 12th Grade, had his Guru not persuaded him to complete his degree. “I had stubbornly refused to listen to my parents,” says L. Ramakrishnan who can be seen accompanying practically…
“It is not the violin which brings the tone. It is the artiste and his artistry which can make even a violin that does not sound very good sound beautiful.” – Kala Ramnath Ms. Kala Ramnath is the feature of this 32nd, and final, episode of the Quarantunes podcast. Ken…
United States-based Carnatic violinist Sri. Rajeev Mukundan began violin lessons from Sri. N Govindarajan and has been under the guidance of Sangita Kalanidhi Kum. A Kanyakumari for over a decade now. An A Graded artiste from All India Radio, Sri. Rajeev has traveled extensively on concerts, performed with his Guru…
Though popularly known as a Carnatic violinist, Sri. RK Shriramkumar is trained in vocal music too and is Guru to several leading Carnatic performers and aspiring performers, and mentor to even more. In this podcast, he expresses his belief about the power of faith to tide us through these unprecedented…
“Not having concerts does not affect me – it means it is time to increase repertoire……” – Dr. R Hemalatha In this episode of Quarantunes, we hear from Carnatic violinist and researcher Dr. R Hemalatha. Dr. Hemalatha accompanies leading artistes and is known for her deep knowledge of the music,…
“Silly humans. Why don’t you pause? How ignorantly you let so much pass?” – from a poem written by Lalgudi Smt. Vijayalakshmi, in the voice of Mother Nature. Lalgudi Smt. Vijayalakshmi is the daughter and disciple of the renowned violinist and musician Lalgudi Sri. G Jayaraman. Smt. Vijayalakshmi expresses her…
The Akkarai Sisters, Kum. Subhalakshmi and Kum. Sornalatha, perform duets in both vocal and violin, besides individually accompanying many artistes on the violin. While anxious about the present situation, they are utilizing the time for more practice and enjoying simple pleasures that eluded them earlier. They sing a snippet of…