Sruti is proud to present a grand carnatic music concert by Sangita Kalanidhi S. Sowmya accompanied by Ranjani Ramakrishnan on the violin and Neyveli R Narayanan on the Mridangam.

S. Sowmya

http://www.sowmya.org

A Carnatic musician by profession, Sowmya’s life has been immersed in melody from the very beginning. Growing up in a traditional South Indian family, she had her initial tutelage in music from her father Dr. Srinivasan, a chemical engineer with an enduring passion for Carnatic Music.

Later, she was singularly fortunate to be taken under the wings of Sangita Kalanidhi Dr. S. Ramanathan – exemplary musician, esteemed musicologist and extraordinary human being.

Her musical instincts were further guided by Smt. T. Muktha, of the legendary Brinda-Muktha duo. She attributes her success and achievements till today to these individuals and to the bountiful blessings of her beloved Ambal, the Goddess Kamakshi of Kanchipuram.

The desire to propagate the traditions of South Indian music worldwide led her to associate with her friend and vocalist Shashikiran, to establish Carnatica, an institution dedicated to music and dance instruction, archival, talent search and other related activities. Carnatica’s web portal is now a popular online destination for music-related information, products, courses and discussions.

In addition to being an accomplished musician, Sowmya also has excellent academic credentials. She is a double postgraduate (Master’s in Chemistry as well as Indian Music) and was a top-ranked student at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M) and the University of Madras. Discontinuing her doctoral research program at IIT to concentrate on her music, she is now a widely traveled, popular vocalist who strives to adhere to the strict classical values imbibed from her gurus Dr. Ramanathan and Smt. Mukta.

Ranjani Ramakrishnan (Violin)

Ranjani Ramakrishnan was trained in Carnatic violin by her mother & artist, Smt. Seetha Ramakrishnan from the age of 4 and this upbringing, paved the way for a bright, musical future. She also received vocal training from Smt.Latha Ramchand. Ranjani is a grade ‘A’ artist with the All India Radio and Doordarshan, India and has performed alongside several eminent artists in India, USA, Canada, Singapore, Muscat & Abu Dhabi. She has received The YSNM Award at Khajuraho, The “Pandit Jasraj Award” for Classical Music, in collaboration with the Vedic Heritage Inc., New York, The Dr.T.S Trimurthi Endowment Award from The Music Academy, Chennai , The ‘Naada Sunadha Sundaram Award’ bestowed by ‘The Bharatanjali Trust’, Chennai and the title “Isai Arasi” from The Trinity Fine Arts Academy, Chennai. She has a great passion for sound editing techniques and is working on a ‘Meditative sounds’ audio project named “AUM” with her sister, Radhika. Ranjani was highly acclaimed for her contribution as ‘The Carnatic Music Coordinator’ of the movie ‘Morning Raga ’, starring veteran actor, Shabana Azmi. Ranjani holds a certification in ‘Logic Pro’ from Apple Inc., USA and has a Masters Degree in Commerce from The University of Mumbai, India.

Neyveli R. Narayanan (Mridangam)

Neyveli R. Narayanan was born to Sri Rajagopalan and Smt.Meenakshi, who with their insight and vision nurtured his talent.

Hailing from a family of music connoisseurs at Neyveli, Narayanan was initiated into the art of Mridangam playing at the young age of seven, under the guidance of Sri S.K. Ganesa Pillai. He made his debut at the age of 11 and ever since, he has been rising in his art by furthering his horizons and making a mark in the field of carnatic music. An intensive training under the Maestro Late Thanjavur Sri Upendran brought about a great amount of professionalism in Narayanan’s playing. His guru taught him the intricacies and specialties of the Tanjore Style of playing on the mridangam.

Narayanan is now blessed with the rare opportunity of being one of the favourite disciples of the Mridangam Legend Padmabushan Umayalpuram Sri K.Sivaraman. This great influence has brought in a great amount of clarity, precision and perfection in Narayanan’s style.

Narayanan has students both in India, USA, Canada and UK . They are taught through internet and phone and refresher classes during the visits to those places.

Narayanan is a post graduate in rhythmology from Madras University.