Virtuoso violinist Jyotsna Srikanth and mridangam player Abhiram Sahathevan united for a rare Indian Carnatic classical music treat at St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, in London this week.
This concert brought the beauty and depth of Carnatic music to a diverse audience, offering a rich tapestry of melody and rhythm. Audiences were treated to an enthralling recital where the Carnatic violin and mridangam wove together intricate melodic lines and complex rhythmic cycles.
“The violin, played in the distinct South Indian style, resonates with soulful interpretations of ragas (melodic frameworks), taking listeners on an emotional journey from introspection to joy. Jyotsna’s playing is marked by fluid improvisation, technical prowess, and a deep connection to the traditional roots of Carnatic music,” notes the programme for the concert.
“Accompanying her, Abhiram on the mridangam – a double-headed drum essential to South Indian music – provides the rhythmic foundation, adding dynamic interplay and accentuating the nuances of each composition,” it adds.
This concert was curated by Darbar Arts Culture Heritage Trust, producers of the Darbar Festival – the largest Indian classical music festival outside of India.
Srikanth is one of the world’s foremost Carnatic violinists, known for her innovative approach that bridges Indian classical music with global genres. With numerous international performances and collaborations, she is celebrated for her virtuosity and her ability to bring out the emotional depth of Carnatic music.
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Sahathevan is an accomplished mridangam artist, known for his command over complex rhythmic patterns and his sensitivity as an accompanist.
“Together, Jyotsna and Abhiram create a performance that showcases the intricate beauty and profound spirituality of South Indian classical music, leaving audiences spellbound,” said St. Martin in the Fields – a venue playing host to internationally renowned musicians performing every week.
*Info: Darbar
