Jayanthi Kumaresh | |
---|---|
Background information | |
Born | Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
Origin | Bengaluru, India |
Genres | Carnatic Music |
Occupation(s) | Musician/Composer |
Instrument(s) | Saraswati Veena |
Years active | 1986-present |
Website | jayanthikumaresh |
Dr. Jayanthi Kumaresh is a prominent figure in the world of classical Indian music, renowned for her expertise in playing the Saraswathi Veena, India's National Instrument. With a career spanning 38 years, she has deeply immersed herself in the art of the Veena while also taking on various roles as an artist, collaborator, composer, researcher, creator, pioneer, and educator. Her journey epitomizes India's rich musical heritage, establishing her as one of the foremost Veena masters globally.
Born into the illustrious Lalgudi family, Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh is the 6th generation musician [1] . Her musical journey commenced at the tender age of 3 under the tutelage of her mother, Smt. Lalgudi R. Rajalakshmi. At the age of 13, Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh embarked on a dedicated journey, leaving her home and family to pursue rigorous Veena training under her guru, Vidushi Padmavathy Ananthagopalan [1] . She devoted herself to this pursuit for an astounding 22 years, honing her skills and deepening her musical expertise. She further refined her technical prowess through advanced lessons under the guidance of Veena Virtuoso Padma Bhushan Dr S. Balachander. Her thirst for knowledge led her to also receive specialised training from maestros such as Shri. Lalgudi G. Jayaraman, Smt. T. Brinda, Shri. T. R. Subramaniam, and Shri. Thanjavur Shankara Iyer. [2] [1]
Her exceptional talent was recognised with the highest A-TOP grading from All India Radio, marking her as one of the youngest Veena artistes to achieve this distinction. [3]
Beyond her musical prowess, Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh holds a Postgraduate degree in English Literature and a Ph.D. in Veena from the University of Mysore. Her ground-breaking research, titled "Analytical Study of Different Banis and Playing Techniques of Saraswathi Veena" [4] delves deep into the instrument's evolution, ancient playing techniques in the Sama Gana period, the method of playing the Veena as per Bharatha’s instruction, and the evolution of various Banis in South India. Her research extends into the realm of electronic and digital Veenas, shedding light on the instrument's modern evolution. Many facets of this research have found their way into academic publications, enriching the knowledge pool of Veena enthusiasts.
The Indian National Orchestra (INO) [5] , conceived by Dr. Jayanthi Kumaresh, is a combination of Carnatic and Hindustani classical music traditions, featuring 21 musicians and 15 instruments from across India. Through original compositions like "Kashmir to Kanyakumari" and "Dancing Peacock," INO showcases the nation's cultural diversity, breathing life into rare ragas such as Gangeshwari and Haricharan. Its performances at prestigious festivals celebrate India's musical heritage, captivating audiences with a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.
Inspired by her revered guru Dr. S. Balachander, Dr. Jayanthi Kumaresh embarked on a mesmerizing musical odyssey with her "45 Ragas" concert [6] . Seamlessly transitioning between 45 ragas, each connected by meaningful bridges, Dr. Jayanthi Kumaresh showcased the soul of Carnatic music through the Veena in a solo performance lasting an astounding 124 minutes. This extraordinary concert, available as an album on all digital platforms, not only captivates but also educates, shedding light on the intricate nuances of Carnatic music through its enchanting melodies.
Dr. Jayanthi Kumaresh introduced an innovative venture with "Story in Concert," seamlessly blending music, storytelling, and painting into a captivating experience. Each narrative in the concert is brought to life through a harmonious blend of musical compositions and captivating visual artistry, engaging audiences in a new dimension of the performance. Jayanthi's ability in crafting compelling stories and collaborating with painters and storytellers has not only attracted new audiences to music concerts but has also revitalised the celebration of Carnatic Music.
Unearthing the intricate layers of philosophy and the complexities of the human mind, Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh created a ground-breaking symphony of sound in her acclaimed album, "Mysterious Duality." [7] The album embarks on a profound journey into the depths of the human spirit, where simplicity intertwines with complexity, and the essence of the Self finds a voice through the exquisite tones of a single instrument - the Veena.
Through meticulously crafted compositions rooted in Indian Classical music, and orchestrated with mathematical precision in tala and raga, this album is a one-of-its-kind in symphonic interpretation. Seven Veena layers, each overlaid on the others, blended seamlessly to create a harmonious musical synergy, exploring the profound dualities within a single existential entity.
In her mission to promote and celebrate the Saraswathi Veena as India's National Instrument, Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh has embarked on a global musical exploration, collaborating with artists from diverse genres and countries. Through transcendent performances and innovative productions, she has placed the Saraswathi Veena on the world stage, captivating audiences and fostering cultural harmony.
Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh has collaborated with eminent artists such as Vidushi Kala Ramnath, Pandit Ronu Majumdar, Shri. Purbayan Chatterjee, Shri. Rakesh Chaurasia, and others, blending classical traditions seamlessly.
"Triveni," an international production featuring luminaries, Ustad Zakir Hussain, Vidushi Kala Ramnath and Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh. As the name suggests, ‘Triveni’ is the mythical site of the union of three sacred rivers in India, and aptly represents the confluence of varied musicalities which the three Maestros bring to this collaboration. This captivating fusion has adorned prestigious venues worldwide, enchanting with diverse audiences, seamlessly stitching the North and South Indian rhythm traditions to provide a bridge for Veena and Violin to create a sonic experience of the highest order.
She has collaborated with Carnatic vocalists and instrumentalists, including Smt. Aruna Sairam, Smt. Sudha Ragunathan, Smt. Bombay Jayashree, Smt. Kaushiki Chakraborty, Shri. Mysore Manjunath, Smt. Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi, Smt. Sikkil Mala Chandrasekar, and the like.
Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh played a pivotal role as a featured artist in Universal Notes, a prestigious production curated for the Darbar Festival in London, where she collaborated with the esteemed British Philharmonic Orchestra and renowned musicians from the Carnatic and Hindustani traditions. Universal Notes seamlessly fused the intricate nuances of Western classical music with the rich heritage of both Indian classical traditions – Hindustani and Carnatic. Guided by the artistic direction of cellist Matthew Barley and the compositional brilliance of Fraser Trainer, this project marked the culmination of a yearlong collaboration, resulting in a harmonious convergence of musical excellence.
Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh along with Vidushi Kala Ramnath has collaborated with Lautten Compagney, a renowned Baroque music ensemble in Berlin, at the prestigious Humboldt Forum Museum. This exceptional performance unfolded as a symphony of cultures, where novel insights into the rich heritage of two continents came to life through the intricate interplay of Indian raga and Baroque music. Their seamless fusion of artistry and cultural resonance left the audience enthralled, painting an exquisite musical canvas that bridged the historical and artistic gaps between diverse traditions.
In a dazzling showcase of virtuosity, Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh and the esteemed Violin Maestro, Shri R. Kumaresh, present their award-winning masterpiece, "STRINGS ATTACHED." This opulent production is a harmonious fusion of original compositions, intricately woven from the threads of traditional ragas and thalas, alongside timeless classics that stand as pillars of the illustrious Indian Carnatic tradition.
The synergy between this husband-wife duo transcends boundaries, rendering them a highly coveted act in prestigious venues across the globe. Their performance promises an exquisite tapestry of musical artistry, where every note vibrates with the profound depths of tradition, elevating the audience into a realm of unparalleled auditory splendour.
Witness the magic of her music: Triveni | 'Universal Notes' with British Philharmonia | Collaboration with Ustad Zakir Hussain | Collab with Lautten Compagney, a Baroque music ensemble | Watch "Strings Attached" Performance |
Through her fresh interpretations of ancient ragas and talas, Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh embodies the soul of the Veena, serving as an ambassador for the Saraswathi Veena. Her profound musical expressions echoes across continents, bridging cultures and hearts.
Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh's distinguished musical voyage has graced prestigious stages worldwide, captivating audiences at renowned festivals and iconic venues, including:
Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh has performed in various countries including Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Germany, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Norway, Poland, Croatia, USA and Canada. She has performed in renowned venues like Music Academy Chennai, Royal Albert Hall - London, Théâtre de la Ville - Paris, NCPA Mumbai, and Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre Mumbai, among others.
Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh has scored music for many musicals and dance productions. Her Thillanas, Varnams and Raga based melodies have been presented in many of her albums. One of her remarkable achievements includes composing the entire musical score for the mesmerizing dance ballet "Krishna Bhakthi," a divine portrayal of Meerabhai and Andal in two distinct styles of compositions. She has composed music for the production ‘Abbakarani,’ a magnum opus that premiered in Bangalore. Beyond these, Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh has crafted some Singles like "Janani," "Vasanthabhairavi," “A Thousand Stars” and the like. Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh has also released several albums with multiple themes and presentations.
Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh stands as a beacon of musical enlightenment, passionately disseminating the profound artistry of the Saraswathi Veena across the globe. With a repertoire spanning lectures, workshops, and masterclasses, she has unveiled the melodic richness of Indian music to captivated audiences.
Through a collaboration with the Indian Ministry of Culture and Rikskonsertene Norway Ministry of Culture, Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh embarked on three remarkable journeys to Norway. There, she mesmerised over a thousand students, introducing them to the captivating world of the Saraswathi Veena.
For 38 years, through SPICMACAY, Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh has been traveling across India, visiting numerous schools, colleges, and universities. Her mission: to make the rich heritage of Indian music accessible, especially to the less privileged. Her TED talks, hosted at prestigious educational institutions, have stirred minds and hearts, leaving an indelible mark on the audience.
Some of Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh’s lecture demonstrations: The story of Saraswati Veena - TEDxWhitefield | The Voice of Veena - TEDxTheMSUniversityBaroda | SPICMACY - Great Masters Series | SPICMACAY - IIT Guwahati Edition.
Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh has entranced the digital realm with her visionary web series, Cup O' Carnatic, [18] [19] a pioneering endeavour aimed at unravelling the mysteries of Indian Classical music for the world audience. The response from music enthusiasts has been nothing short of exceptional. This series has garnered over 3.5 million views worldwide, thanks to its presence on prominent platforms such as YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. The series' viral reach is a testament to its profound impact, illuminating the intricate beauty of Indian Classical music to a discerning and appreciative audience.
Cup O’ Carnatic Season Highlights:
Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh's dedication to musical education, innovative digital outreach, and inspiring live demonstrations have cemented her legacy as a revered educator, shaping the future of classical music enthusiasts worldwide.
Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh, a distinguished scholar with a doctorate in the art of Veena playing, stands at the helm of the illustrious Jayanthi Kumaresh Academy For Veena (JKAV) . Her remarkable online institution has transcended geographical boundaries, attracting students from over 20 countries, encompassing a diverse age group ranging from 10 to 75 years. At the heart of her academy's mission lies the aspiration to bridge the gap between accomplished artists and budding Veena enthusiasts. Through a meticulously curated curriculum, the Academy offer a series of master classes, each focusing on the intricate nuances of Veena techniques, repertoire, practice methodologies, and creative expression. These classes serve as beacons of enlightenment, guiding the students towards a profound understanding of the art form. With an illustrious concert career spanning 38 years, Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to every lesson. Her expertise, honed through years of dedication and passion, is dedicated to fostering the next generation of Vainikas. The Academy earnestly endeavours to preserve, promote, propagate, and present the National Instrument of India, the revered Saraswathi Veena, to the global audience. To date, the Jayanthi Kumaresh Academy for Veena has successfully conducted more than 60 masterclasses. Witnessing active student engagement from all corners of the globe, our online classrooms reverberate with the harmonious blend of diverse cultures and shared musical fervour. The Academy has students from over 15 countries, with over 1500 individual registrations.
Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh is a recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi under the Carnatic Instrumental (Veena) category, a prestigious honour conferred by the Govt. of India and the Kalaimamani award, conferred by the Govt. of Tamil Nadu. She holds the distinguished status of being an empanelled artist with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). Furthermore, she serves as a valued member of the Academic Council at Chinmaya Vishwa Vidyapeeth and holds a similar role at Shri Sathyasai University for Human Excellence. She stands as a beacon of excellence, having received the prestigious Award for Veena from The Music Academy, Chennai, an astounding ten times between 1990 and 2021. This remarkable feat places her among the select few artists honoured with this distinction repeatedly.
Carnatic music, known as Karnāṭaka saṃgīta or Karnāṭaka saṅgītam in the South Indian languages, is a system of music commonly associated with South India, including the modern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. It is one of two main subgenres of Indian classical music that evolved from ancient Hindu texts and traditions, particularly the Samaveda. The other subgenre is Hindustani music, which emerged as a distinct form because of Persian or Islamic influences from Northern India. The main emphasis in Carnatic music is on vocal music; most compositions are written to be sung, and even when played on instruments, they are meant to be performed in gāyaki (singing) style.
Lalgudi Gopala Jayaraman was an Indian Carnatic violinist, vocalist and composer. He is commonly grouped with M.S. Gopalakrishnan and T.N.Krishnan as part of the violin-trinity of Carnatic Music. He was awarded Padma Bhushan by the Government of India in 2001.
The Sarasvatī vīṇa is an ancient Indian plucked veena. It is named after the Hindu goddess Saraswati, who is usually depicted holding or playing the instrument. Also known as raghunatha veena, it is used mostly in Carnatic Indian classical music. There are several variations of the veena, which in its South Indian form is a member of the lute family. One who plays the veena is referred to as a vaiṇika.
Tiruchy L. Saravanan, also known as Flute Saravanan, is a prime disciple of Dr. N. Ramani, one of India's pioneer Carnatic flautists.
Narasimhan Ravikiran is an Indian slide instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, and orator, who created the concept of melharmony. He is the son of gottuvadhyam player Chitravina Narasimhan and the grandson of Narayan Iyengar, who was also a Carnatic musician.
Sudha Ragunathan is an Indian Carnatic vocalist, singer and composer. She was conferred the Kalaimamani award by the Government of Tamil Nadu in 1994, Padma Shri (2004) and Padma Bhushan (2015) by the Government of India, and Sangeetha Kalanidhi by Madras Music Academy in 2013.
Ganesh and Kumaresh are an Indian duo of violinists who are a part of the Carnatic music fraternity. The brothers are known as modern contemporary artists in "Sastriya Sangitam". They were awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2018 for Carnatic Instrumental Music (Violin). Kumaresh's wife, Jayanthi Kumaresh, is a noted Veena player.
Ghatam Giridhar Udupa is an Indian percussionist and a leading exponent of the ghatam. He is one of the members of Layatharanga, a team of Indian classical musicians who have embarked on the task of blending different forms of classical, folk and world music. In 2015 he founded and has since served as the director of The Udupa Foundation, a registered charitable trust with the aim of promoting music, performing arts and culture.
"Bombay" Jayashri Ramnath is an Indian Carnatic vocalist, singer, and musician. She has sung songs in multiple languages, including for Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi movies. Born into a family of musicians, Jayashri represents the fourth generation of music practitioner's in her family. Trained by Lalgudi Jayaraman and T.R. Balamani. She was awarded India's fourth highest civilian award, the Padma Shri, in 2021. In December 2023, she was awarded the most prestigious award in the Carnatic Music Field, the Sangeetha Kalanidhi, by the Madras Music Academy. She was nominated for Academy Award for Best Original Song (Oscar) for Pi's Lullaby from Life of Pi movie. She has become one of the most sought-after Carnatic musicians today.
Emani Sankara Sastry, was a renowned Veena player of Carnatic music.
Thiruvaarur Bakthavathsalam was born on November 25, 1956, in the Tanjore district of Tamil Nadu, India. He comes from a family of traditional musicians and is a renowned mridangam Vidwan. In 2021, he was awarded the prestigious Sangeetha Kalanidhi award by The Madras Music Academy.
Sangita Kalanidhi Aruna Sairam is an Indian classical vocalist and carnatic music singer. She is a recipient of the Padma Shri award from the Government of India and was elected as the Vice Chairman of the Sangeet Natak Academy by the Government of India until 2022. In 2011, Aruna was the first Carnatic musician to perform at the BBC proms in London. She is also the first Carnatic musician to perform in Oud Festival of Israel (Jerusalem).
Chingleput Ranganathan was a classical Carnatic vocalist and Guru.
Nirmala Rajasekar is a Carnatic Saraswati veena player, composer, vocalist, and educator. One of the world's premier veena players, Rajasekar has performed at Carnegie Hall, the United Nations, the Madras Music Academy, Narada Gana Sabha, Sawai Gandharva Festival, and the Konya International Mystic Music Festival. Rajasekar is the current co-chair of the American Composers Forum.
Balasubramaniam Rajam Iyer was a Carnatic singer from South India. He was awarded the Madras Music Academy's Sangeetha Kalanidhi in 1987.
Jyotsna Srikanth is an Indian-British violinist and composer, performing Carnatic music and Western classical music.
Srimathumitha is an Indian playback and Carnatic singer who sings mainly in Tamil. She has also sung in Telugu, Hindi and Kannada songs. Some of her notable songs are "Azhage Azhage" from the movie Oru Kal Oru Kannadi, "Valayapatti Thavile" from the movie Azhagiya Tamil Magan, "Kanaa Kaanum Kalangal" from the movie 7G Rainbow Colony, and "Rathathin Rathame" from the movie Velayudham. She is one of the leading playback singers in today’s film music scenario. She has sung for leading music directors like Ilayaraja, Harris Jayaraj, Yuvan Shankar Raja, A. R. Rahman, Bharadwaj, Deva, S. A. Rajkumar, and Bharani. She emerged as the "Best Voice of 2002" in the TV Reality Show Rajageetham conducted by RAJ TV. She is the first playback singer to win the Vikadan Awards started in 2004, which was juried by late Sujatha. A. R. Rahman has featured her in two songs in the soundtrack of Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire.
Padmavathy Ananthagopalan is a classical musician and veena maestro from India, in the Carnatic Music genre. She also plays the mridangam and the nagaswaram. She has seven decades of experience in playing the veena.
Lalgudi Rajalakshmi is a violinist in the Indian classical Carnatic style of music. She performs the violin in the Lalgudi tradition.
Pandit Parameshwar Hegde is an Indian Hindustani classical vocalist. He belongs to the Kirana, Gwalior and Patiala gharanas
{{cite web}}
: |last=
has generic name (help){{cite web}}
: |last=
has generic name (help){{cite web}}
: |last=
has generic name (help)