A Carnatic Odyssey’ At Singapore’s Esplanade

Their collaboration, titled Unison: A Carnatic Odyssey, promises a mesmerizing exploration of Carnatic music, showcasing their distinct artistry, honed through years of rigorous training and mentorship under the legendary T.M. Krishna.

Ahead of the performance, Connected to India’s Sudipto Maity caught up with both Rithvik and Vignesh for an exclusive chat.

Global audience, a local connection

For Rithvik, performing in Singapore is always a special experience. “Having performed in Singapore several times, what has always stood out to me everytime is the diverse audience, and their deep appreciation for the arts and their openness to new ideas and fresh interpretations,” he shares.

His performance at the Esplanade nearly a decade ago remains a defining moment in his career, one that continues to shape his approach to music.

For this upcoming performance, Rithvik and Vignesh have put together a meticulously curated 90-minute art experience. “This performance aims to bring together emotive depth and creativity in music, thoughtfulness in curation along with a powerful coming together of an ensemble that presents an exciting opportunity to bring all these elements to life in a fresh way,” Rithvik explains.

The influence of T.M. Krishna

The artistic journey of both Rithvik and Vignesh is profoundly shaped by their mentor, T.M. Krishna, a figure who has not only redefined Carnatic music but has also broadened the horizon of what it means to be a musician today. Their devotion to their craft is deeply influenced by Krishna’s unwavering commitment to pushing the limits of performance, thought, and presentation.

“I’ve had the privilege of learning from T.M. Krishna for over 20 years, and his impact on my musical journey is transformative and profound. His mentorship isn’t just about guidance—it’s about giving students the freedom to find their own voice and path,” says Rithvik.

For Rithvik, Krishna’s approach to teaching and mentorship has instilled in him the confidence to chart his own artistic course, blending tradition with innovation.

Similarly, Vignesh credits Krishna with reshaping his view of Carnatic music. “Krishna Anna has pushed us to think beyond the obvious. He has always pushed us beyond our limits and made us explore aspects of the music in a rigorous and innovative manner. The most amazing part of class is the realisation that putting a condition/limitation on any aspect of music, be it a particular range of a raga, speed of the composition, rhythmic conditions, etc. actually expands our scope of exploration. It pushes one to think outside the norm and in that we find a new context which opens up newer horizons in the sound and exploration of the music. I try my best to push myself in ways that I can imagine he would,” Vignesh reflects.

It is this balance between tradition and innovation, which Krishna encourages in his students, that is evident in the upcoming performance. Both Rithvik and Vignesh have taken up the challenge of presenting Carnatic music in a way that respects its integrity while introducing new ideas. Their work exemplifies Krishna’s belief that music should not be confined to its traditional boundaries but should be a dynamic, living entity that engages with the contemporary world.

Engaging a multicultural audience

One of the key aspects of their performance will be its ability to connect with the diverse, multicultural audience in Singapore. As both musicians have observed, audiences outside of India are often encountering Carnatic music for the first time, and it is essential to make the experience as engaging and accessible as possible.

“I hope for them to be able to relate to the sound of Karnatik music in its entirety of Raga and Laya (melody and rhythm) through the way we present it to them. Most of all I would like for them to also engage with what we are doing on stage as active listeners, consume this music and enjoy it without the burden of having to know aspects of the music in order to enjoy it. Our attempt is to bridge a divide between the contemporary and the traditional and not see them as two opposing elements in Karnatik music,” Vignesh says.

For Rithvik, the multicultural nature of Singapore is one of the most exciting aspects of performing there. “I’ve witnessed the powerful impact the performing arts has on young minds. Engaging with a form like South Indian Classical Music during the formative years leaves a lasting influence, shaping individuals in diverse ways as they grow,” Rithvik says.

“Such exposure fosters openness to diversity, broadens cultural understanding, and encourages the exploration of new ideas. In a multicultural city like Singapore, this kind of exposure is essential. And the efforts of a trailblazing organisation like the Esplanade in curating sensitively through such diverse programming, in my opinion, is not just for preserving tradition, but for encouraging the next generation to think critically, embrace creativity, and appreciate the richness of different cultures,” he says.

Tradition meets innovation

Central to this concert is the seamless integration of innovation with tradition. Rithvik describes a particular piece that will be a highlight of the performance, one that reimagines improvisation in Carnatic music. This blend of tradition and experimentation is what makes their music so compelling: it’s an invitation to experience Carnatic music in a fresh light.

Vignesh, too, is focused on presenting Carnatic music in a way that is meaningful for a modern, international audience. Their collaboration, which reflects both their mutual respect for tradition and their willingness to innovate, promises to offer something truly unique.

(The article is published under a mutual content partnership arrangement between The Free Press Journal and Connected To India)