Featured Performances and Carnatic Workshops
From international concert stages to intimate music workshops, here is a glimpse into my journey with the Veena and my commitment to sharing the magic of Carnatic music.
This was an amazing evening performing in a full house at Dampfsäg, Sontheim in Germany. It's a wonderful feeling to introduce Carnatic music to new listeners in rural parts of the world, all thanks to the Musica Sacra International festival.
Here we are, deep in preparation for a massive 50-member veena ensemble concert. I lead these interactive workshops where musicians of all levels come together to learn and create something beautiful as a group.
A snapshot from my lecture-demonstration at the Musica Sacra festival in Germany. I love these interactive sessions where I can share stories and music with a curious international audience.
Speaking at the Seshadripuram Ramanavami festival was a surreal experience. Performing with the sound of heavy rain as our companion is something I will never forget in my 50-year career.
With my fellow musicians after a SPIC MACAY concert at Christ University. Performing for young, enthusiastic students is always a special pleasure and gives me so much energy.
A moment of immense gratitude as I receive the prestigious Chowdaiah National Award from the Academy of Music. It was the culmination of a hectic but incredibly fulfilling weekend of back to back concerts.
A behind the scenes look at the making of our musical, 'Meera Tarangini'. The process of composing and layering music with these talented artists for our 50-member ensemble is just as exciting as the final performance.
About this collection
Whether you are looking for a lecture-demonstration to introduce Carnatic music to students or a full ensemble performance for a festival, the format is always adaptable. I work with venues of all sizes, from intimate classrooms to large auditoriums, ensuring the technical requirements for the Veena and percussion accompaniment are handled smoothly for your event.
Making Carnatic Music Accessible
I believe music is for everyone, regardless of whether you are a trained musician or just curious about Indian sounds. My approach to these featured events is to break down barriers. I don't just perform; I tell stories, explain the rhythm cycles, and invite the audience to participate.
How We Can Collaborate
- Interactive Lecture-Demonstrations: These are perfect for colleges, schools, or cultural festivals. I blend live Veena performance with easy explanations of the Ragas and history. It is a musical conversation that keeps listeners engaged, even if they have never heard Carnatic music before.
- Ensemble Workshops: For those who want to get hands-on, my workshops focus on collaborative learning. We practice fingering techniques, ensemble synchronization, and the joy of playing together. We can scale these from small groups to large ensembles of 50 members.
- Keynote & Cultural Appearances: I frequently join panel discussions and memorial events to speak on cultural heritage, the role of women in the arts, and the future of Indian classical music. These sessions allow for a more formal but still deeply personal engagement.
Practical Logistics
When we plan an event, I take care of the details. I travel with the custom Tarangini Veena and coordinate closely with organizers regarding the sound setup, including the specific vocal and instrument microphones needed. If you are hosting at the Tarangini Arts Foundation in Malleshwaram, or if you need me to travel to your venue across Bengaluru or beyond, my team and I ensure the instrument transport and technical rider are sorted well in advance.
Let’s bring the music to your audience. Whether it is a solo concert, a jugalbandhi, or an educational talk, I am ready to explore the possibilities together.
Suma Sudhindra
I am Suma. For five decades, my life has been tied to the Veena, performing, composing, and teaching. I believe that music is meant to be shared, whether it is a quiet workshop with a few students or a performance for a packed auditorium.
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