The Indira Sivasailam Endowment Medal to be
conferred on sisters, Ranjani-Gayatri on October 7, 2016
Chennai: The unequivocal choice for the Indira Sivasailam Endowment Medal and Concert 2016 are sisters, Ranjani and Gayatri, popularly known as RaGa. For the last seven years, the Indira Sivasailam Foundation has recognized an outstanding Carnatic musician based on an established set of criteria, which includes excellence in performance, audience appeal, adherence to classical tradition while innovating within its framework, depth of knowledge, demonstrated efforts to disseminate knowledge and the ability to bring about a greater and deeper public appreciation of Carnatic music.
The artist is selected by a panel comprising of members from the Endowments Committee of
The Music Academy, Madras, and Ms. Mallika Srinivasan (Chairman – Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited), daughter of Late Sri. A. Sivasailam (Former Chairman – Amalgamations Group) and the Late Smt. Indira Sivasailam.
The Indira Sivasailam Endowment Fund was established by Ms. Mallika Srinivasan in 2010 under the auspices of The Music Academy, Madras as a tribute to her mother Smt. Indira Sivasailam – a lifelong disciple and patron of Carnatic music, who was also an exceptional practitioner.The endowment fund is a realization of Smt. Indira Sivasailam’s strong conviction that south Indian classical musicians par excellence should be encouraged and recognized.
Ranjani and Gayatri are world renowned Indian classical musicians with professional experience of twenty five years. Known for their versatility and multi-faceted capabilities as artists, Ranjani-Gayathri forayed into the world of Carnatic music as children learning to play the violin. Training under Sangita Bhooshanam Prof. T. S. Krishnaswami in Mumbai, they made a name for themselves as gifted violinists, performing in leading sabhas all over the country and overseas. Their musical journey can be traced back to their family; having received their initial vocal training from their mother Smt. Meenakshi Balasubramanian – a Carnatic vocalist, and their father, Sri. N. Balasubramanian, who was instrumental in shaping their musical values.
Ranjani-Gayatri made the transition from violin to vocals under the tutelage of Padma Bhushan Sangeeta Kala Acharya Sri. P. S. Narayanaswamy and commenced giving vocal concerts since 1997. Their music honed over the years is unique, as their two voices blend and contrast to strike a fine balance between tradition and innovation. Their concerts resound with energy, ingenuity and emotional fervor.
The Indira Sivasailam Endowment Concert will be held, at The Music Academy, Madras, on October 7, 2016, marking the beginning of the Navaratri season.