Dr. Yella Venkateshwara Rao Launches Concert Series Honoring C.P. Sarathy

The Sri C.P. Sarathy Memorial Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Artistes Series of concerts officially commences today in Hyderabad, with renowned mridangist Dr. Yella Venkateshwara Rao serving as the chief guest. The event, organized by Kalasagaram, spans three days and is set to take place at Meenakshi Sundaram Hall in Shrinath Bhavan, starting at 18:00 local time.

Opening Day Features Lecture-Demonstration

The inaugural day will showcase a special lecture-demonstration entitled ‘Splendour of Muthuswamy Dikshitar,’ presented by Jagadisan Shivakumar. Currently based in Northern Virginia, Shivakumar is a well-respected musician, musicologist, and president of a consulting firm. He has trained under the esteemed Sangeetha Kalacharya Prof. S.R. Janakiraman.

Shivakumar is also the founder and director of Gamakam, a music school located in the Washington D.C. area that emphasizes thematic presentations. His contributions to the musical community include organizing concerts and lectures at various festivals, where he has garnered significant recognition. He has composed tunes for numerous shlokas and has actively engaged in teaching devotional kritis, including the Thyagaraja Pancharatna kritis and Thiruppavai at a temple in Virginia.

A Community-Centric Approach to Music

Shivakumar’s innovative music quizzes, which have gained acclaim across the United States, have notably been featured at prominent events like the Aradhana festival in Cleveland. His approach to music education not only focuses on traditional practices but also incorporates a modern flair, appealing to a diverse audience.

The concert series aims to celebrate the legacy of C.P. Sarathy, whose contributions to the arts continue to inspire artists around the globe. By highlighting the work of NRI artistes, the series seeks to strengthen cultural ties and promote the rich traditions of Indian classical music.

As the festival unfolds over the next three days, attendees can expect a vibrant mix of performances and educational experiences that honor the profound impact of figures like Muthuswamy Dikshitar on Indian music.