Accompanied by Sangita Kalanidhi R K Shriramkumar, (Violin), Neyveli R Narayanan (Mridangam) and K V Gopalakrishnan (Kanjira).

Dr. S. Sowmya

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.

R K Shriramkumar (Violin)

R K Shriramkumar belongs to the Rudrapatnam family of musicians, a family with a glorious musical tradition. He is the grandson of the much respected Vidvan Shri R K Venkatarama Shastri.

Having had his initial lessons in violin playing from Vidushi Smt Savitri Satyamurthy, Shriramkumar was trained in violin playing and vocal music by his grandfather Shri R K Venkatarama Shastri. He later received guidance in violin playing from Vidvan Shri V V Subrahmanyam and in vocal music from Sangita Kalanidhi Shri D K Jayaraman.

His skills were further honed through the association and knowledge that he gained by accompanying the doyens of Carnatic music like Shri Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, Smt M S Subbulakshmi, Smt D K Pattammal, Shri D K Jayaraman, Shri Palghat K V Narayanaswamy, Smt T Brinda, Smt T Mukta, Shri M Balamuralikrishna and others.

Shriramkumar’s discography includes, apart from his solo recordings, his violin accompaniment with reputed artistes and has had the blessed opportunity of participating in a very unique recording entitled ‘Divine Unison’ featuring the veterans Shri Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer and Smt M S Subbulakshmi.

A recipient of many awards and accolades, Shriramkumar was recently awarded the prestigious title of Sangita Kalanidhi from the Madras Music Academy for the year 2025.

He has traveled far and wide on concert tours. His solo performances, lec-dems and workshops have also been greatly received and appreciated by audiences world-wide. Shriramkumar’s musicianship and endearing personality has inspired many music students and concert musicians to seek his guidance and mentorship.

Shriramkumar’s musical creations include many of his compositions, his music for many a lyric, and several dance productions as well . ‘Sri Sharada Stuti Manjari’ – a recording rendered by Smt Bombay Jayashri that contains the compositions of the Jagadgurus of Sri Sringeri Sharada Peetham, ‘Sita Vishlesha Trayam’ – a dance production by Dr Vyjayantimala Bali and ‘Sarasvati Antarvahini’, a dance production by Kalakshetra, are a few notable works, amongst many, that feature Shriramkumar’s musical creations.

Neyveli R Narayanan (Mridangam)

(Recipient of Sangeet Natak Akademi Award from the Hon’ble President of India, Kalaimamani Award from the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu)

Hailing from a family of music connoisseurs at Neyveli, Narayanan was initiated into the art of Mrudangam 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. Narayanan is now blessed with the rare opportunity of being one of the favourite disciples of the Mrudangam Legend Padma Vibushan Umayalpuram Sri K Sivaraman.

Narayanan has been honoured by Citations from the Governor and Congressman of Maryland in recognition of 50 years of percussion journey and 25 years of teaching in North America in the year 2024.

Narayanan is a post graduate in Rhythmology from Madras University. He has accompanied almost all the veterans and present day stars of carnatic music. He had the privilege of sharing the stage with the Grammy Award winner, Tabla Wizard Maestro Zahir Hussain with Violin maestros Sri Ganesh Kumaresh.

Narayanan has performed in all the leading Sabhas in India. He has also won acclaim in other countries like USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, France, Germany, Switzerland, Holland, Dubai, Muscat, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Malaysia and Hongkong. He has also performed in World renowned auditoriums like Lincoln center, NY, Theatre de la Ville, Paris, Queen Elizabeth Hall, UK, Esplanade hall in Singapore etc., 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.

As the founder of Neyveli Narayanan Centre for Performing Arts, Neyveli Narayanan has been instrumental in nurturing his disciples from India and abroad, creating platforms through concerts that provide opportunities to accompany young, budding musicians.

As an ‘A-TOP’ grade artist, Narayanan has been featured regularly by the All India Radio and TV networks, which also included prestigious broadcasts like Southzone Hook-up, Sangeetha Sammelan and National Programme of music.

He has received several awards and titles from various Sabhas. To name a few, ‘Naada Oli’, ‘Vani Kala Sudhakara’, ‘Laya Vadya Chathura’, ‘Naada Vallabha’, ‘Laya Vadya Nipuna’, ‘Palghat Mani Iyer Puraskar’ and ‘Sangeeta Kala Saagaram” from the Cleveland Thyagara Aradhana Committee in 2024. He is most blessed to be the “Asthana Vidwan” of KANCHI KAMAKOTI PEETAM.

KV Gopalakrishnan (Kanjira)

KVG, as he popularly known as, had his initial training from his father KVRS Mani and now under the guidance of “Percussion legend” “Sangitha Kalanidhi” Dr. TK Murthy.

He’s been performing for close to 30 years now and he’s one of the most sought after Kanjira player in the field of Carnatic Music.

He has shared the stage with almost all the top stars as well as up and coming artists of today. He’s an “A” graded artiste of All India Radio.

KVG has played along with legendary percussionists of Carnatic Music such as his guru Dr TK Murthy, Sri Palghat Raghu, Sri Trichy Sankaran, TV Gopalakrishnan, Sri Umayalpuram Sivaraman, Sri Guruvayur Dorai Sri Vellore Ramabadran and many others.

He has also worked with famous tamil cine music directors “Isai Gnyaani” Ilayaraja & Vidyasagar.

Acknowledged as the “Asthana Vidwan” by the Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt, KVG has garnered numerous titles and accolades over the years. These include the “Yuva Kala Bharathi” from Bharat Kalachar, “Bismillah Khan – Yuva Puraskar” from Sangeet Natak Academy, Govt of India. “Kanjira Harishankar Memorial Award” from Nadalaya Trust “Palghat Mani Iyer Puraskar” from Chennai Fine Arts, “Nada Vallabha” from Nada Sudha, The Best Upa Pakka Vaadhyam of the year Endowment Award from Kartik Fine Arts, and the latest being the “Sangeetha Kala Sagaram” award from the Cleveland Aradhana Committee, April, 2024.

KVG has traveled widely around the world taking part in many international tours and music festivals. And prestigious places like The Kennedy Center – Washington DC, The Lincoln Center – New York, The Indian Presidents palace – New Delhi, The Madras Music Academy and many more.

He is also a well accomplished Mrithangam player and has won the best mrithangist award from the Madras Music Academy for 3 consecutive years.