Dr.Jyotsna Srikanth wows invitees
She’s unmistakably one of the most
unassuming Global Star of certain stature, but just guess right when she ticks
off messages to her connoisseur friends here while setting on a visit to India,
especially her trip this week to Bangalore would certainly bring most fans to
her concert considerably and that’s a true connect indeed.!!
I feel, it was so sweet of her to
send a missive to me on messenger a week before like she does to many. My
neighbor Ganapati Hegde and me made it right on dot for a memorable Bangalore
Dreams concert.
Hardly very few musicians figure out
this idea. It is here Dr.Jyotsna Srikant literally enjoys her music via
discerning. Neither does she commit this secure act to play to the gallery.
Perceptive would not only listen to her choice while she makes it a point to
play their favorites in a medley or in a different form.
‘Bangalore Dreams’
organizers very aptly named the world music concert by none other than our own
innovative & celebrated violinist, the very affable Dr.Jyotsna Srikanth.
Born and brought up in Benguluru,
India, Jyotsna went on to receive her MBBS and MD from Bangalore Medical
College, India, currently lives in London. Jyotsna has trained herself under
her mother, Ratna Srikantiah and later under Guru R. R. Keshavamurthy, a doyen
of classical Indian violin. She’s also learnt western classical and achieved
her grading from the Royal School of Music, London. Amidst this, she approached
V.S. Narasimhan, a solo violinist who works with the notable Indian composer
Ilaiyaraaja for advanced training. She certainly needs no introduction now
globally..!!
Europe’s leading
violinist from the Carnatic classical tradition, Jyotsna Srikanth’s initial
foray into music came in the film industry, playing under the direction of film
composers such as Hamsalekha and Ilaiyaraaja.
Her recitals
combine a deep understanding of traditional music with jazz and contemporary
touch. This rare balance between tradition and modernity has helped her carve a
unique niche, captivating audiences across the globe. She established a foundation, Dhruv Arts to promote
Carnatic Music in United Kingdom, as well as raise funds for charity. Jyotsna
continues her Carnatic music career as a soloist and as an accompanist, and has
performed with masters such as Dr M. Balamuralikrishna. She enjoys a large fan
following across the countries and is popular with her world tours.
December 22, 2015, she played with
our own Ace Key Board/Piano Player of Bangalore, Shadrach Solomon, now almost
an integral part of Jyotsna’s ensemble. Accompanying on Drums with her was N.S.
Manjunath. These Trio created a sinuous atmosphere while playing all those
Carnatic Kruthis set on World Music beats. Whether it is “Raghuvamshasudha” or
the “Sallapa”, Raag Jog or the evergreen songs of Legendary Illaiyaraja or A.R.
Rehman in a medley, Jyotsna just sailed effortlessly as ever, her
quintessential trademark.
Jyotsna composes music rooted to
Indian-Jazz and interweaves this with flamenco, electronica, funk, Indian,
Celtic folk and Bollywood – the musical genus shift shall depend on the
festival, Mela, Auditorium and audience.
KEY BOARD
& PIANIST SHADRACH SOLOMON
Hailing
from a family of music lovers, it did not take long for Solomon to garner love
for music from his father. Shadrach Solomon is an accomplished pianist,
performer, music director, arranger and composer in his own right. His formal
education in Western Classical Piano started at age 6. This was an intense
study in Piano Pieces, Sight Reading, Scales, Ear Test and Viva. His
indefatigable enthusiasm swiftly took him through five grades passing each one
of them in distinction with deft management by Trinity College of Music,
London. After having acquired a degree in Engineering in the field of
Electrical and Electronics, he has now completely devoted himself to music
composition and direction. What metamorphosis he’s been able to bring about
over years of dedication in the field of music is there for us to see.
PERCUSSIONIST N.S.MANJUNATH
Ace Percussionist
Pandit Suresh Talwalkar’s disciple, young N.S.Manjunath has been on the music
circuit for quite a while now, practicing concept of handling loops, grooving
along hitting the cords and reciting Indian drum syllables in both Hindustani
and Carnatic forms. Very much keen on reproducing syllables on the drum kit,
Manjunath truly inspires majority key performers with lot of fervor by
energetic innovative percussion display, was a key ally to Jyotsna’s breathe
stopping numbers.
