Jayanthi Kumaresh

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Jayanthi Kumaresh
Jayanthi Kumaresh with the Saraswathi Veena
Background information
Born	Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Origin	Bengaluru, India
Genres	Carnatic Music
Occupation(s)	Musician/Composer
Instrument(s)	Saraswati Veena
Years active	1986-present
Website	jayanthikumaresh.com

Dr. Jayanthi Kumaresh is a prominent figure in the world of classical Indian music, renowned for her expertise in playing the Saraswathi Veena, India's National Instrument. With a career spanning 38 years, she has deeply immersed herself in the art of the Veena while also taking on various roles as an artist, collaborator, composer, researcher, creator, pioneer, and educator. Her journey epitomizes India's rich musical heritage, establishing her as one of the foremost Veena masters globally.

Musical Legacy and Revered Gurus[edit]

Born into the illustrious Lalgudi family, Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh is the 6th generation musician. Her musical journey commenced at the tender age of 3 under the tutelage of her mother, Smt. Lalgudi R. Rajalakshmi. At the age of 13, Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh embarked on a dedicated journey, leaving her home and family to pursue rigorous Veena training under her guru, Vidushi Padmavathy Ananthagopalan. She devoted herself to this pursuit for an astounding 22 years, honing her skills and deepening her musical expertise. She further refined her technical prowess through advanced lessons under the guidance of Veena Virtuoso Padma Bhushan Dr S. Balachander. Her thirst for knowledge led her to also receive specialised training from maestros such as Shri. Lalgudi G. Jayaraman, Smt. T. Brinda, Shri. T. R. Subramaniam, and Shri. Thanjavur Shankara Iyer.^[1]

Her exceptional talent was recognised with the highest A-TOP grading from All India Radio, marking her as one of the youngest Veena artistes to achieve this distinction.

Education and Research[edit]

Beyond her musical prowess, Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh holds a Postgraduate degree in English Literature and a Ph.D. in Veena from the University of Mysore. Her ground-breaking research, titled "Analytical Study of Different Banis and Playing Techniques of Saraswathi Veena" delves deep into the instrument's evolution, ancient playing techniques in the Sama Gana period, the method of playing the Veena as per Bharatha’s instruction, and the evolution of various Banis in South India. Her research extends into the realm of electronic and digital Veenas, shedding light on the instrument's modern evolution. Many facets of this research have found their way into academic publications, enriching the knowledge pool of Veena enthusiasts.

Musical Productions[edit]

Indian National Orchestra (INO)[edit]

Draped in the rich tapestry of Carnatic and Hindustani classical music traditions, Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh orchestrated a magnum opus known as the Indian National Orchestra (INO). A melange of 21 leading musicians and 15 diverse instruments from the North and South of India, this symphonic marvel harmoniously intertwined cultures, unifying India musically. With innovatively composed original music pieces such as "Kashmir to Kanyakumari" and "Dancing Peacock," INO breathed life into rare ragas like Gangeshwari and Haricharan, representing the Ganges, the Himalayas, and India’s unity in diversity. This production has been presented in numerous esteemed festivals in India, eliciting overwhelming responses and standing as a testament to India's musical heritage.

45 Ragas[edit]

In a mesmerising spectacle inspired by her revered guru Dr S. Balachander, Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh embarked on a musical odyssey, presenting the enchanting 45 Ragas concert. Seamless and uninterrupted, she wove together 45 ragas, each transitioning into the other with a meaningful bridge. Performing solo for an astounding 124 minutes, she showcased the soul of Carnatic music through the Veena, revealing the instrument’s utmost potential. This extraordinary concert, available as an album on all digital platforms, is not only mesmerising but also educating, shedding light on the intricate nuances of Carnatic music. Watch the full concert here

Story In Concert[edit]

In an innovative venture, Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh introduced "Story in Concert," a seamless fusion of music, storytelling, and painting. Crafting narratives that aligns with the music, each situation in the story found expression through a harmonious blend of musical compositions and captivating visual artistry. Her ability to script compelling stories and collaborate seamlessly with painters and storytellers, not only drew new audiences to music concerts but also breathed fresh life into the celebration of Carnatic Music. This pioneering concept captivated audiences across a multitude of cultural landscapes.

Mysterious Duality (Album) ^[2][edit]

Unearthing the intricate layers of philosophy and the complexities of the human mind, Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh created a ground-breaking symphony of sound in her acclaimed album, "Mysterious Duality." The album embarks on a profound journey into the depths of the human spirit, where simplicity intertwines with complexity, and the essence of the 'Self' finds a voice through the exquisite tones of a single instrument - the Veena. Through meticulously crafted compositions rooted in Indian Classical music, and orchestrated with mathematical precision in tala and raga, this album is a one-of-its-kind in symphonic interpretation. Seven Veena layers, each overlaid on the others, blended seamlessly to create a harmonious musical synergy, exploring the profound dualities within a single existential entity. Listen to the full album here

Collaborations and Global Endeavours[edit]

In her mission to promote and celebrate the Saraswathi Veena as India's National Instrument, Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh has embarked on a global musical exploration, collaborating with artists from diverse genres and countries. Through transcendent performances and innovative productions, she has placed the Saraswathi Veena on the world stage, captivating audiences and fostering cultural harmony.

North-South Jugalbandhi Concerts[edit]

Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh has collaborated with eminent artists such as Vidushi Kala Ramnath, Pandit Ronu Majumdar, Shri. Purbayan Chatterjee, Shri. Rakesh Chaurasia, and others, blending classical traditions seamlessly.

Triveni – An International Production^[3][4][edit]

"Triveni," an international production featuring luminaries, Ustad Zakir Hussain, Vidushi Kala Ramnath and Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh. As the name suggests, ‘Triveni’ is the mythical site of the union of three sacred rivers in India, and aptly represents the confluence of varied musicalities which the three Maestros bring to this collaboration. This captivating fusion has adorned prestigious venues worldwide, enchanting with diverse audiences, seamlessly stitching the North and South Indian rhythm traditions to provide a bridge for Veena and Violin to create a sonic experience of the highest order.

Collaborations with Indian Maestros[edit]

She has collaborated with Carnatic vocalists and instrumentalists, including Smt. Aruna Sairam, Smt. Sudha Ragunathan, Smt. Bombay Jayashree, Smt. Kaushiki Chakraborty, Shri. Mysore Manjunath, Smt. Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi, Smt. Sikkil Mala Chandrasekar, and the like.

Universal Notes – Bridging Cultures Through Music[edit]

Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh played a pivotal role as a featured artist in Universal Notes, a prestigious production curated for the Darbar Festival in London, where she collaborated with the esteemed British Philharmonic Orchestra and renowned musicians from the Carnatic and Hindustani traditions. Universal Notes seamlessly fused the intricate nuances of Western classical music with the rich heritage of both Indian classical traditions – Hindustani and Carnatic. Guided by the artistic direction of cellist Matthew Barley and the compositional brilliance of Fraser Trainer, this project marked the culmination of a yearlong collaboration, resulting in a harmonious convergence of musical excellence.

Harmonies Across Continents at Humboldt Forum Museum, Germany[edit]

Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh along with Vidushi Kala Ramnath has collaborated with Lautten Compagney, a renowned Baroque music ensemble in Berlin, at the prestigious Humboldt Forum Museum. This exceptional performance unfolded as a symphony of cultures, where novel insights into the rich heritage of two continents came to life through the intricate interplay of Indian raga and Baroque music. Their seamless fusion of artistry and cultural resonance left the audience enthralled, painting an exquisite musical canvas that bridged the historical and artistic gaps between diverse traditions.

Strings Attached – A Musical Journey ^[5][6][7][8][edit]

In a dazzling showcase of virtuosity, Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh and the esteemed Violin Maestro, Shri R. Kumaresh, present their award-winning masterpiece, "STRINGS ATTACHED." This opulent production is a harmonious fusion of original compositions, intricately woven from the threads of traditional ragas and thalas, alongside timeless classics that stand as pillars of the illustrious Indian Carnatic tradition.

The synergy between this husband-wife duo transcends boundaries, rendering them a highly coveted act in prestigious venues across the globe. Their performance promises an exquisite tapestry of musical artistry, where every note vibrates with the profound depths of tradition, elevating the audience into a realm of unparalleled auditory splendour.

Witness the magic of her music: Triveni | 'Universal Notes' with British Philharmonia | Collaboration with Ustad Zakir Hussain | Collab with Lautten Compagney, a Baroque music ensemble | Watch "Strings Attached" Performance |

Through her fresh interpretations of ancient ragas and talas, Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh embodies the soul of the Veena, serving as an ambassador for the Saraswathi Veena. Her profound musical expressions echoes across continents, bridging cultures and hearts.

Places and Venues[edit]

Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh's distinguished musical voyage has graced prestigious stages worldwide, captivating audiences at renowned festivals and iconic venues, including:

• BBC Proms, London, UK
• Darbar Festival, London, UK^[9]
• Celtic Connections, Scotland ^[10]
• Bengal Classical Music Festival, Bangladesh
• Paris Festival of India, France
• Queensland Music Festival, Australia
• Darwin Music Festival, Australia
• Sydney Music Festival, Australia
• Northwest Folklife Festival, Seattle, USA
• San Francisco Jazz Festival, USA
• WOM Adelaide, Australia & New Zealand
• Humboldt Forum Museum, Berlin, Germany
• Esplanade, Singapore
• Hong Kong Arts Festival, Hong Kong
• Rikskonsertene, Norway
• Royal Festival Hall, London, UK
• Kennedy Center, Washington DC, USA

Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh has performed in various countries including Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Germany, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Norway, Poland, Croatia, USA and Canada. She has performed in renowned venues like Music Academy Chennai, Royal Albert Hall - London, Théâtre de la Ville - Paris, NCPA Mumbai, and Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre Mumbai, among others.

As a Composer[edit]

Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh has scored music for many musicals and dance productions. Her Thillanas, Varnams and Raga based melodies have been presented in many of her albums. One of her remarkable achievements includes composing the entire musical score for the mesmerizing dance ballet "Krishna Bhakthi," a divine portrayal of Meerabhai and Andal in two distinct styles of compositions. She has composed music for the production ‘Abbakarani,’ a magnum opus that premiered in Bangalore. Beyond these, Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh has crafted some Singles like "Janani," "Vasanthabhairavi," “A Thousand Stars” and the like. Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh has also released several albums with multiple themes and presentations.

"Vasanthabhairavi" - Official Video | Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh | "Janani" - Official Video | Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh.

Discography[edit]

• December Season – Charsur
• Flowers of Southern India - Centaur Records, USA
• Jagruthi - Music Today
• Mandala - Senseworld, UK
• Moving Melodies – Charsur
• Mysterious Duality – Earthsync^[2]
• Run with Sa - Home Records^[11][12]
• Sanmarga - Home Records
• Shankaram - Music Today
• Strings Attached - Home Records
• The Singing Veena – HMV
• Thillana thillana - Home Records
• Timeless Tunes - Home Records
• Veena Saman - Hansavedas Academy, USA
• Veena Seshanna Compositions
• Veena Visions - Home Records
• Vipanchi - Dutta Peetam
• Walking together - Navras Records, UK
• 45 Ragas - Home Records

As an Educator[edit]

Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh stands as a beacon of musical enlightenment, passionately disseminating the profound artistry of the Saraswathi Veena across the globe. With a repertoire spanning lectures, workshops, and masterclasses, she has unveiled the melodic richness of Indian music to captivated audiences.

International Endeavours[edit]

Through a collaboration with the Indian Ministry of Culture and Rikskonsertene Norway Ministry of Culture, Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh embarked on three remarkable journeys to Norway. There, she mesmerised over a thousand students, introducing them to the captivating world of the Saraswathi Veena.

Inspiring the Next Generation[edit]

For 38 years, through SPICMACAY, Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh has been traveling across India, visiting numerous schools, colleges, and universities. Her mission: to make the rich heritage of Indian music accessible, especially to the less privileged. Her TED talks, hosted at prestigious educational institutions, have stirred minds and hearts, leaving an indelible mark on the audience. Some of Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh’s lecture demonstrations: The story of Saraswati Veena - TEDxWhitefield | The Voice of Veena - TEDxTheMSUniversityBaroda | SPICMACY - Great Masters Series | SPICMACAY - IIT Guwahati Edition.

Cup O’ Carnatic (COC)[edit]

Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh has entranced the digital realm with her visionary web series, Cup O' Carnatic,^[13][14] a pioneering endeavour aimed at unravelling the mysteries of Indian Classical music for the world audience. The response from music enthusiasts has been nothing short of exceptional. This series has garnered over 3.5 million views worldwide, thanks to its presence on prominent platforms such as YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. The series' viral reach is a testament to its profound impact, illuminating the intricate beauty of Indian Classical music to a discerning and appreciative audience.

Cup O’ Carnatic Season Highlights:

• Season 1 - 3: Covering fundamental Concepts of Carnatic Music
• Season 4: “Season of Carnatic” - spanning 30 episodes, explores over 50 ragas, guiding rasikas to recognise and appreciate popular compositions within each raga.
• Season 5: “Fun Series” - Connecting Popular tunes/songs to Ragas in Carnatic Music.
• Season 6: “Kids Series” - Musical Storytelling to young rasikas^[15][14][16]
• Season 7: “Point of View” - One ragam is explored extensively in each episode, demonstrating a spectrum of emotions or Rasas achievable within that particular Ragam.
• Season 8: “Nostalgia” – Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh eloquently guides the audience through her musical journey, sharing intricate insights into her training and practices under her revered Gurus.

Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh's dedication to musical education, innovative digital outreach, and inspiring live demonstrations have cemented her legacy as a revered educator, shaping the future of classical music enthusiasts worldwide.

Jayanthi Kumaresh Academy for Veena ^[17][edit]

Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh, a distinguished scholar with a doctorate in the art of Veena playing, stands at the helm of the illustrious Jayanthi Kumaresh Academy For Veena (JKAV). Her remarkable online institution has transcended geographical boundaries, attracting students from over 20 countries, encompassing a diverse age group ranging from 10 to 75 years. At the heart of her academy's mission lies the aspiration to bridge the gap between accomplished artists and budding Veena enthusiasts. Through a meticulously curated curriculum, the Academy offer a series of master classes, each focusing on the intricate nuances of Veena techniques, repertoire, practice methodologies, and creative expression. These classes serve as beacons of enlightenment, guiding the students towards a profound understanding of the art form. With an illustrious concert career spanning 38 years, Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to every lesson. Her expertise, honed through years of dedication and passion, is dedicated to fostering the next generation of Vainikas. The Academy earnestly endeavours to preserve, promote, propagate, and present the National Instrument of India, the revered Saraswathi Veena, to the global audience. To date, the Jayanthi Kumaresh Academy for Veena has successfully conducted more than 60 masterclasses. Witnessing active student engagement from all corners of the globe, our online classrooms reverberate with the harmonious blend of diverse cultures and shared musical fervour. The Academy has students from over 15 countries, with over 1500 individual registrations.

Philanthropic Initiatives[edit]

Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh's philanthropic endeavours include raising funds for charitable organisations like the Aishwarya Trust Foundation (Congenital Heart Disease) and the FAME school for children with neurodevelopment disabilities in Bangalore. She has composed music for Bharat Gyan's documentaries on Indian civilisation and consistently donates 15% of her concert earnings to promote art in smaller Indian cities. Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh also provides free music education to less privileged children and has recorded therapeutic music for Times Now to help reduce blood pressure and arthritis.

Awards[edit]

Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh is a recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi under the Carnatic Instrumental (Veena) category, a prestigious honour conferred by the Govt. of India and the Kalaimamani award, conferred by the Govt. of Tamil Nadu. She holds the distinguished status of being an empanelled artist with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). Furthermore, she serves as a valued member of the Academic Council at Chinmaya Vishwa Vidyapeeth and holds a similar role at Shri Sathyasai University for Human Excellence. She stands as a beacon of excellence, having received the prestigious Award for Veena from The Music Academy, Chennai, an astounding ten times between 1990 and 2021. This remarkable feat places her among the select few artists honoured with this distinction repeatedly.

• 1990, 92: Award for Veena - The Music Academy, Chennai
• 1997: Veena Dhanammal Memorial Award - Sriragam Fine Arts, Chennai
• 1999: Kalki Memorial Award
• 2000, 02, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23: Award for Veena - The Music Academy, Chennai
• 2000: Fellowship for 'Ragam Tanam Pallavi' on Veena - Department of Culture
• 2003: A-TOP Grading from All India Radio
• 2004: Maharajapuram Santhanam Memorial Award
• 2006: Kalaimamani - Government of Tamil Nadu
• 2006: Mahaswami Puraskar
• 2007: Sathyashri Award - Bangalore
• 2010: Veena Nada Mani - Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham
• 2011: XL Award for Outstanding Instrumentalist
• 2013: Gana Varidhi - MA Narasimhachar Music Foundation
• 2013: Sangeetha Choodamani - Sri Krishna Gana Sabha, Chennai
• 2014: Asthana Vidwan at Sringeri Sharadha Peetham
• 2015: Hamsadhwani Award
• 2016: Kala Ratna - Kala Sangam, Mumbai
• 2016: Mudhra Vainika Award
• 2018: Vishwa Kala Ratna - MilapFest, London
• 2018: Indira Sivasailam Endowment Medal - Chennai^[18]
• 2019: Bhavan's Sangeet Shikhar Samman - Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, New Delhi
• 2020: K.S. Narayanaswamy Award for Veena - Shanmukhananda Fine Arts, Mumbai
• 2022: Sangeetha Vedanta Dhurina - Bangalore
• 2022: Sangeet Natak Akademi, Carnatic Instrumental (Veena) - Government of India^[19][20]
• 2023: Nada Vallabha - Nada Sudha Organisation, Chennai

References[edit]