With Embar Kannan – Violin | Poongulam Subramanian – Mridangam
Vidushi S. Sowmya
Vidushi S. Sowmya is one of the world’s leading exponents of the Carnatic (South Indian classical) tradition of vocal music. She is reputed for her deeply classical style and for her large repertoire spanning a wide spectrum of composers, including some of the rarest works of the Carnatic Trinity. She is also a passionate promoter and practitioner of Tamizh Isai – the ancient classical and folk music traditions of Tamil Nadu. Dr. Sowmya is also a fine exponent of the Saraswati Vina, one of the world’s oldest musical instruments. She is also known for her path-breaking research work in enhancing the tonal stability of the mridangam, the pre-eminent percussion instrument in South Indian music.
Dr. Sowmya’s life has been soaked in melody from the very beginning. Growing up in a traditional South Indian family, she had her initial tutelage in music from her father M. 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 S. Ramanathan – exemplary musician, esteemed musicologist and extraordinary human being. After several years of learning from him, Dr. Ramanathan encouraged Sowmya to undergo further training from Vidushi T. Muktha, of the legendary Brinda-Muktha duo. Dr. Sowmya attributes her success and achievements to her gurus and to the bountiful blessings of her beloved Ambal, the Goddess Kamakshi of Kanchipuram.
In addition to being an accomplished musician, Sowmya also has excellent academic credentials. She earned a Ph. D. degree in 2012 from the University of Madras for her research work that combined music and science. Sowmya also holds Master’s degrees in Chemistry and Indian Music. She was a top-ranked scholar at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M) and the University of Madras.
A widely traveled, popular vocalist today, Dr. Sowmya strives to adhere to the strict classical values imbibed from her gurus Dr. Ramanathan and Smt. Mukta.
Embar Kannan – Violin
Embar Kannan is an A – TOP Grade artist with the All India Radio, a recognition given only to top ranking artists. Universally acclaimed as a violinist with extraordinary bowing quality and remarkably sweet playing, his style is marked by clarity, soulfulness and energy. Subbudu, the doyen amongst critics recognized Kannan as a prized jewel of Carnatic music as early as 1991. He remarked that Kannan’s music has the grace and ease of a Russian Ballerina.
As an accompanist, Kannan is acknowledged as a violinist par excellence. Kannan’s uncanny flair has made him one of the most sought-after accompanists and he enthrals audiences, the world over with his music. He has accompanied almost all the leading artists and stalwarts in the carnatic music world. He has lent a supporting hand in innumerable number of concerts across the globe. Kannan is adventurous and has explored other genres of music too. He has also collaborated with Hindustani, Sufi and Western classical musicians. His adventures include the Full Bench concert an instrumental ensemble.
Poongulam Subramanian – Mridangam
Poongulam Subramanian is the son and disciple of Maha Vidwan Poongulam Sri. R.Sabesa Iyer. He inherited the legacy of rhythm and started performing from a young age, accompanying leading artistes, in and around his hometown of Kumbakonam.
In Chennai, he had advanced training from the reputed Mridangam Vidwan Srimushnam Sri. V.Raja Rao and has been performing actively in Chennai Music circuit from 1990 onwards. Poongulam Subramanian is one of the sought after artiste both by legendary seniors and young stars. An “ A” graded artiste of AIR, CHENNAI – Poongulam has traveled widely all around the globe.
He has been a recipient of many laurels and awards. Poongulam Subramanian is especially known for his clarity and sensitive accompaniment and robust individual style.
