On June 4, 2023, an intimate gathering of approximately 50 music enthusiasts were treated to an enchanting musical event organised by Revathi Performing Arts. Trishakti, a Classical Carnatic Music Concert, brought together world-renowned musicians from South India to showcase their extraordinary talents.
With the support of the Telugu Badminton Club of Canterbury, the event offered a rare opportunity for the audience to experience the magic of Indian classical music.
The master musicians hailing from South India presented a repertoire that included compositions from the Musical Trinity of Carnatic music: Thyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, and Syama Sastri, among others. These legendary composers have contributed significantly to the Carnatic music tradition, and their compositions continue to captivate audiences around the world.
What set this concert apart was the inclusion of the electric guitar as an accompanying instrument, blending traditional South Indian percussion instruments such as the kanjira (tambourine), ghatam (claypot), and vocal percussion. This fusion of instruments brought a fresh and unique flavour to the performance. The musicians showcased their improvisational skills by exploring specific scales or ragas and skillfully interpreting the main melodies or kritis of the songs.
Carnatic music, with its intricate melodies and rhythmic complexities, has a unique charm that transcends cultural boundaries, appealing to people from all backgrounds.
The concert also featured captivating percussion solos and engaging call-and-response interactions between the musicians and the audience.
The Trishakti event benefited from an exceptional lineup of master musicians who have gained international acclaim through their performances across the globe.
Ganesh Kumar, the "Kanjira Virtuoso," is globally recognised as one of the foremost exponents of the Kanjira. With a rich background in Carnatic music and extensive collaborations with Western musicians in the USA and Europe, Ganesh Kumar has played an essential role in expanding the boundaries of this instrument beyond its traditional context. His efforts have contributed to the creation of a new genre of music that blends Jazz, pop, and traditional Carnatic music.
Vignesh Shankar, a prodigious talent, showcased his mastery of the South Indian Carnatic Classical music on the guitar. Coming from a musical lineage that includes renowned Ghatam Vidwan Sri. T H Subash Chandran, Vignesh has not only excelled in the field of Carnatic music but has also explored genres such as Jazz, Blues, and Fusion. His Carnatic guitar albums, accompanied by esteemed musicians, have garnered acclaim and praise.
Sarvesh Shankar, a young and talented Ghatam artist, comes from a family of renowned musicians in Carnatic music. Trained by Vidwan Shri T H Subash Chandran and Ganesh Kumar, Shankar has performed with leading musicians and graced prestigious venues during the December music festival in Chennai. Despite being young, Sarvesh has already travelled extensively, sharing his rhythmic prowess with audiences in India and abroad.
Justin DeHart, a Grammy-nominated performer from Sacramento, California, added his skills on the tabla to the Trishakti event. Trained by renowned tabla maestros, including Pt. Swapan Chaudhuri and Pt. Arup Chattopadhyay, Justin's expertise in contemporary musical styles spans across various genres, from classical to pop and from world to electronic. As an Associate Professor of Music at the University of Canterbury, his contributions to the music community here continue to inspire and educate aspiring musicians.
With world-renowned musicians from South India coming together for this magical evening, the audience had the privilege of witnessing an outstanding fusion of traditional and contemporary musical elements.
Darren, who attended the event, said, “This was one of the rare musical events that facilitate cultural exchange and celebration of world music. I also participated in the workshop by Ganesh Shankar which was excellent for students of world music.”
Uma Varma of Revathi Performing Arts, said, "It was a true honour to organise this lovely musical gathering and host these extraordinary performers. The event not only provided a delightful musical experience for the audience but also offered a valuable learning opportunity. The accomplished artists who graced the stage continue to bring lot of joy to us, the lovers of Indian Carnatic music."
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