Accompanists: Akkarai Subhalakshmi – Violin | Mannnargudi Easwaran – Mridangam
B. Shree Sundarkumar – Kanjira

Since his grand entrance at age two, Sangita Kalanidhi Chitravina Ravikiran has enthralled record audiences of 45,000-100,000 in some concerts. He has won critical acclaim as one of the most inspiring ambassadors of Indian music and culture in the world. The substance and quality of his contributions as instrumentalist, composer, vocalist, guru, author and orator are held in the highest regard. Ravikiran is the inventor of the award-winning world music concept Melharmony. Apart from being a history-making achiever with feats like setting to music 1330 verses of ancient Tirukkural in 16 hours, Ravikiran is also a socially involved musician who has inspired substantial funds through his concerts for charities including Tsunami Relief, Hurricane Katrina, Chennai Floods as well as health, educational and cultural initiatives. …more

Akkarai S Subhalakshmi, Indian classical (Carnatic) violinist and vocalist, took the music world by storm at the tender age of eight, and her music continues to touch the hearts of countless music lovers around the world. Subhalakshmi is one of today’s leading violinists, and is known for her unique tone reminiscent of the human voice, and her soulful music that is a harmonious blend of virtuosity on the violin and the fine nuances of Indian classical music. She is equally enthralling as a vocalist with her mellifluous voice and depth of creativity and sensitivity. She has played with legends like Dr. M Balamuralikrishna, T V Gopalakrishnan, Chitravina N Ravikiran, Dr. N Ramani, and R K Srikanthan, and has won great acclaim for her natural ability to adapt to any style, enhance and enliven the music. …more

Vid. Mannargudi A Easwaran is among the top percussionists of India. Born on 1st April, 1947 to Sri Appayya Dikshitar and Smt Janakiammal, he belongs to the illustrious family of the famed Sanskrit scholar Appayya Dikshitar. He stepped into the world of rhythm at the tender age of eight under the guidance of Vid. Kuniseri U. Krishnamani Iyer. He has also been under the tutelage of Mridangam maestro Vid. Guruvayoor Dorai. With 60 years of performing experience behind him, he is among the most sought-after percussionists of the country today. He lives by the principle that respect to the main artist, saha pakkavadya artists, and the audience is crucial for a successful percussionist. …more

B. Shree Sundarkumar is one of the leading kanjira artists in the world of rhythm music. Having entered the musical world at the age of three, he has been mesmerizing audiences with his intricate rhythm beats and innate creativity, that he inherited from his musical family. After the initial tutelage under his father, a renowned mridangam player, Dr. K. B. S. Mani, he underwent rigorous training under legendary guru Karaikudi Sri R. Mani. It was under his guidance that Sundarkumar perfected the art of playing mridangam and then took to playing his most favorite percussion instrument, the kanjira. His mastery and understanding of the subtle nuances of playing this instrument is unparalleled. …more