Carnatic Music Concerts & Performances
Available across Singapore
I perform Carnatic music concerts where I sing with my veena, blending melody and rhythm in solo, ensemble, and collaborative formats so you can connect with the music whether you’re new or experienced.
Pricing Guide
Signature Trio Concert (Veena & Vocals)
Artist Lineup
- Lead Artiste: Ramana Balachandhran on Saraswati Veena. Includes his signature vocal accompaniment to accent specific lyrics.
- Percussion 1: Senior-level Mridangam artist (A-Grade caliber).
- Percussion 2: Ghatam or Kanjira artist for full rhythmic texture.
Performance Format
- Duration: 90 to 120 minutes.
- Structure: Traditional Katcheri flow (Varnam, Raga Alapana, Kritis, and Tani Avartanam).
- Vibe: Serious listening session tailored for private weddings, chamber concerts, or corporate gatherings.
Logistics & Tech
- Sound: Usage of specific contact mics for Veena to capture acoustic nuance.
- Travel: Includes transport for 3 artists and bulky instrument cases (Veena/Mridangam).
- Staging: Host must provide a raised platform (min 12x8 ft) with clean carpeting for floor seating.
Grand Ensemble & Jugalbandi
Ensemble Configuration
- Lead Artiste: Ramana Balachandhran on Veena.
- Format Choice:
- Jugalbandi: Dialogue with a Hindustani instrument (Tabla/Sitar) or Violin/Flute.
- Percussion Quartet: Rhythm-centric setup with Mridangam, Tabla, and Ghatam.
- Rehearsal: Includes cost of one off-site rehearsal for complex synchronization.
Repertoire
- Content: Focus on Ragam Tanam Pallavi (RTP), fast-paced Tillanas, and semi-classical numbers (Abhangs/Bhajans).
- Style: High-energy fusion suitable for broader, non-classical audiences.
Production Specs
- Sound Check: Extended 90-minute check required to balance distinct frequencies of North and South Indian percussion.
- Monitoring: Individual monitor mixes for all 4-5 artists on stage.
- Logistics: Premium travel logistics for the larger troupe and instruments.
Interactive Masterclass & Demo
Session Details
- Format: Lecture-Demonstration combining speech, Veena performance, and Q&A.
- Duration: Up to 3 hours.
- Content: Deep dive into Manodharma (improvisation) and rhythmic calculations (Kanakku) using analogies (e.g., Chess, Cricket).
Target Audience
- Scope: Designed for music schools, corporate cultural wings, or appreciation clubs.
Requirements
- Artist: Solo engagement (Ramana + Electronic Tambura/Sruti Box).
- Tech: Lapel mic for speech, instrument mic for Veena, and whiteboard/projector for demonstrations.
- Deliverables: Includes digital handouts or notation guides if the topic is technical.
About Carnatic Music Concerts & Performances
Sharing music, for me, is like opening a diary and letting you read the pages as they’re being written. Sometimes, ideas for a new piece come to me when I’m half asleep - I chase them, work on them, and bring them to the stage so we can discover their essence together.
My Style: Singing Veena
You’ll notice I sing along with my veena. It’s a way to make the Saraswati Veena feel more "alive" and closer to the human voice. The sahitya (lyrics) become more present, and even if you’re new to Carnatic music, you’ll find it easier to connect with the melodies.
Melody Meets Math, But Never Feels Like It
Carnatic music is famous for its kanakku (math), but I try to make the calculations invisible. My goal is to let the rhythm and melody blend so well that you feel the structure but don’t get bogged down by the arithmetic. Basically, you’ll feel the raga alapana improvisation, not just hear it.
Concert Formats
- Saraswati Veena solo recital: A deep, intimate musical journey, including improvisations and classics.
- Jugalbandi Carnatic ensemble: Spontaneous duets or group formats, sometimes with violin or venu, always with live interaction.
- Collaborative concerts: Playing with mridangam, tabla, ghatam, or kanjira brings a different energy every time.
- Thematic Carnatic concert: Sometimes it’s a tribute, sometimes it’s a celebration of a season or a legendary master.
I’m just trying to share what I’ve learned from the greats, and maybe find something new together along the way.
Panduranga Vittal!
Meet your Expert
Ramana Balachandhran
257 connects in last 3 months
My Story
Namaste, I’m Ramana. Veena is my main thing, but honestly, music is music - I end up playing mridangam, sitar, singing, whatever. Sometimes my brain goes off on weird tangents, like imagining chess as ragas on the veena! My thatha, simple man, strict but sweet - I used to prank him with Kurkure, and he’d grumble, ‘Chi yennada idhu masala va potrukaan!’ (What’s this masala!) but still eat it. I find inspiration everywhere - monkeys meditating, old masters, even random moments. Always searching for that stillness.
My Work
Veena Performances & Collaborations - I play solo, team up with others, and bring in my multi-instrumentalist Carnatic artist side.
Advanced Veena Workshops - My veenopasana workshops are intense 4-hour sadhana for those ready to dive deep. Think gamaka shuddham training, fretboard control, stamina.
Teaching Style - I find shortcuts, mnemonics, practical tricks. Whatever helps you learn, I’ll try it.
Concerts & Pallavi Exploration - Every concert is a test and a game. I love complex Pallavi exploration, even if I mess up sometimes.
My Musical Philosophy - Kanakku and bhava? Not enemies. I try to blend math and melody so it just feels natural.