Crowning moment for Carnatic music

City Express interacts with Dr Jyotsna Srikanth, the first Carnatic musician/performer to receive the Member of the Order from the UK.
Dr Jyotsna Srikanth receiving Member of the Order from the King
Dr Jyotsna Srikanth receiving Member of the Order from the King
Updated on
3 min read

HYDERABAD: King Charles III, the King of the United Kingdom, bestowed the prestigious Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) upon the acclaimed violinist, Dr Jyotsna Srikanth, during his birthday honours list on December 12, 2023, at Windsor Castle, UK. This recognition, the third-highest civilian award in the UK, acknowledges her outstanding contribution to music on an international scale.

Hailing from Bengaluru, Jyotsna holds the distinction of being the first Carnatic musician and performer to receive this esteemed accolade. Renowned for her versatility in Carnatic music and seamless collaborations across genres, Dr Jyotsna Srikanth shares insights into her journey to the global stage and unveils details about her upcoming projects in a conversation with City Express.

How did your musical journey commence?

My mother, a vocalist, introduced me to music from a very young age. By the age of three, she was already teaching me small songs. The turning point came when, at the age of five, she took me to a concert by the legendary violinist Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan. The mesmerizing sound of the violin left a lasting impression, leading me to imitate violin playing at home with two brooms. The passion ignited, and at the age of nine, I gave my first concert. Accompanying Dr Balamurali Krishna at 15 marked another milestone. Discovering Illaya Raja’s ‘How to Name It’ album fascinated me with Western violin techniques. This led me to learn Western classical music, receiving a fellowship from Trinity College of Music London. Subsequently, my journey included playing for films, and exploring various styles like Nordic and Irish folk. Moving to London brought unexpected opportunities. In 2004, I founded Dhruv Arts to promote South Indian music in the UK, emphasizing Carnatic concerts. The London International Arts Festival, initiated in 2012 during the Olympic year, has evolved into a prominent world music festival, now in its 11th year across five venues. The focus has been on bringing mainstream exposure to Carnatic music while embracing diverse global influences.

What challenges did you face while promoting Carnatic music globally?

Promoting Carnatic music globally presented challenges, especially in regions where it was misunderstood. In some places, it was even considered a form of tribal music. To address this, I realised that mere performances in India were not sufficient. I needed to explain the concepts of our ragas. However, reaching only the elite theater crowd wasn’t enough. This realization led to the formation of my fusion band, aimed at taking ragas to the masses.

Dr Jyotsna Srikanth
Dr Jyotsna Srikanth

As the first Carnatic Musician to receive the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), can you share more about that experience?

Receiving the MBE was a surreal experience. The announcement on the king’s birthday took me by surprise, and the investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle was a thrilling event. Wearing a saree for the formal occasion, I felt a deep sense of responsibility to contribute further to the music field.

How do you engage the younger generation, often unaware of classical music?

Adapting to different formats is essential. For instance, at the London Mela, attended by a diverse crowd unfamiliar with classical music, I incorporated ragas into beats, altering the delivery mode and packaging. Similar efforts are needed in India to bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary music.

Memorable moments that shaped your career?

Performing at Wembley Stadium for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and at Buckingham Palace for Queen Elizabeth was truly remarkable. These instances, challenging yet unforgettable, showcased the global recognition of Carnatic music.

Opportunities for the younger generation in classical music?

The younger generation has abundant exposure and opportunities in classical music. While mastering the basics, there’s room for experimentation and branching into various genres. The key is to reinvent classical music presentation methods to cater to different audiences.

Future projects in Hyderabad?

I’m eager to explore opportunities in Hyderabad. Additionally, I’m working on “Raaga Seasons,” a collaboration with a string orchestra representing the six seasons of India through six moments and six ragas. The aim is to take this project across India and bring Carnatic Contemporary to diverse audiences.

Related Stories

No stories found.

X
The New Indian Express
www.newindianexpress.com