Mar 25 2025 to Mar 25 2025 6:30 p.m.

Where

Bangalore International Centre

7 4th Main Rd, Stage 2, Domlur 560071

Event Description

50 minutes | English | 2025 | India

The Critical Insider is a series that highlights the unique contributions and fresh perspectives brought to the practice of Indian Classical Music by a new generation of gifted practitioners. These artists,  while operating within the frameworks of tradition, are able to bring the spirit of intellectual enquiry, exploration and a quest for individual expression in their engagement and presentation of their art forms. The series plans to present these inspired artists for an interface and dialogue with diverse audiences in public forums including multi arts festivals, colleges and institutes of higher learning and cultural festivals organised by students across the country. We believe that these specially designed interactions between artists and listeners over a period of time will help uplift the quality of the discourse on Indian Classical music and create a new interest in an exquisite, rich and complex artistic tradition that is often set aside by contemporary audiences who find its creative processes and multiplicity of modalities challenging. The Critical Insider is an attempt to bridge the gap between those classical musicians invested in explaining their ideas and art and their audiences who need an insider perspective to relate to and follow them consistently.

We begin the first edition of the series with a screening of the documentary The Sound Alchemists conceived and produced by MOPA (Museum of Performing Arts) Chennai. The documentary delves into the Saraswati Veena’s rich history, its distinctive place in the world of music and the remarkable contributions of Ramana Balachandhran, a young and prodigiously talented artist who has redefined its possibilities and continues to expand its horizons.

The screening will be followed by a discussion between Savita Narasimhan, Curator and Director, MOPA and the artist Ramana Balachandhran.

In collaboration with:

Speakers

Ramana Balachandhran
Musician
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.

Savita Narasimhan
Curator & Director, MOPA
Savita Narasimhan is a distinguished Carnatic vocalist known for her sensitive and nuanced interpretations of raga music. With a performing and teaching career spanning over two decades, she has also lent her voice extensively to Indian theatre and Bharatanatyam. She is an A-grade artiste of All India Radio and Doordarshan. Beyond music, she is a gifted visual artist, proficient across multiple media.

As the founder and Director of MOPA Foundation, established in 2019, Savita currently spearheads efforts to document and present the history and evolving landscape of South Indian performing arts.

Her contributions have been recognised with numerous accolades, including the Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar from the Sangeet Natak Akademi, the Sangeeta Shiromani from Shanmukhananda Sabha, Mumbai, and eight prestigious awards from The Music Academy, Chennai, among others.