Mar 26 2025 to Mar 26 2025 6:30 p.m.

Where

Bangalore International Centre

7 4th Main Rd, Stage 2, Domlur 560071

Event Description

On the second day of The Critical Insider, a series dedicated to presenting a new breed of young classical musicians looking to expand the aesthetic possibilities of their form and make enduring connections with their listeners, we present the prodigiously gifted Veena artist, Ramana Balachandran and Mridangam Maestro, Anantha R Krishnan. The two musicians have a unique rapport and have been regular collaborators for several years bringing out the finest artistry in each other. The two hour concert will be followed by a Q&A with the audience.

Come and experience a Carnatic instrumental concert rich with musical ideas and creative energy!

Performers

Ramana Balachandhran
Veena
Ramana Balachandhran is a distinguished Veena player in the Carnatic tradition, acclaimed for his prodigious talent. Recognized early for his keen musical sensitivity, he was directly awarded an A grade by All India Radio at just sixteen—an honor granted to very few. The Madras Music Academy also waived its age requirements to feature him in its annual concert series.

Renowned for his clarity, intricate gamakas, and speed, Ramana brings a raga-centric approach to his performances, emphasizing manodharma and spontaneity. A trained percussionist and vocalist, he seamlessly blends lyrical expression with instrumental mastery, creating a unique voco-veena experience.

He has performed on prestigious stages in India and abroad, earning numerous accolades and being widely regarded as an ambassador for the Saraswati Veena. Ramana initially trained under his mother before learning Veena from Vidushi B. Nagalakshmi and vocal music from Sangeeta Kala Acharya Smt. Neela Ramgopal. He also trained in Mridangam under Sri Ranganatha Chakravarthy and continues his studies with his father, Sri Balachandhran.

Anantha R Krishnan
Mridangam
Anantha R. Krishnan, grandson and disciple of mridangam maestro Shri Palghat R. Raghu, is a distinguished percussionist. He began his mridangam training under his uncle, Shri R. Ramkumar, and later pursued tabla as an extracurricular student with Ustad Zakir Hussain.

A graduate of Dartmouth College with a Bachelor of Arts, Anantha also holds a Master of Fine Arts in Electronic Music from Mills College. He currently serves as a Professor of Music at A.R. Rahman’s KM Music Conservatory in Chennai. In 2021, he was honored with the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for Contemporary Music by the Government of India.

Anantha is also the co-founder of Mridangamela, a festival initiative that integrates rhythm into educational and corporate events.