Teachers
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Manickam Yogeswaran
A Maestro of Carnatic Music
Yogeswaran is a distinguished classical musician trained in Carnatic music, a tradition originating from South India. Yogeswaran received training under esteemed teachers, “Sangita Bhushanam” Sri P. Muthukumarasamy and “Sangita Bhushanam” Sri S. Balasingam. His primary Guru, the renowned musician and singer “Padma Bhushan” “Sangita Kalanidhi” Prof. Sri T. V. Gopalkrishnan, has been a significant influence on his career.
Notable Film Contributions
Among his notable accomplishments are contributions to movie soundtracks such as Migration for Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut (1999) in collaboration with Jocelyn Pook, and “The Fuse” for Spike Lee’s 25th Hour (2002). He also worked with Jocelyn Pook on the soundtrack for Sarah Gavron’s Brick Lane (2007), featuring the tracks “Quiet Joy,” “Memories of a Summer,” and “Love Blossoms.” In June 2012, he paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II with his song “The Bells” for her Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
Theatrical and Musical Achievements
As a soloist, Yogeswaran played the role of Mahatma Gandhi in the musical Stemmer, celebrating the bicentenary of the Norwegian constitution. The musical, composed by British composer Orlando Gough, was performed with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra in May 2014, with the event graced by His Highness The Crown Prince of Norway.
Major Concerts and Collaborations
His major concerts include performances with The Shout, an acapella choir that won the Time Out Award for Classical Artist of the Year in 2001. He has collaborated with them for notable events such as The BBC Proms, the reopening of the Royal Festival Hall, the Vienna Festival, the Arts and Ideas Festival in the USA, and the European Capitals of Culture opening and closing ceremonies in Linz (Austria) and Stavanger (Norway).
At the Global Music Academy, Yogeswaran offers lessons in Carnatic flute, singing, and mridangam.
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Sowmyashree Rao
Bridging Cultures Through Carnatic Music
Sowmyashree was born into a family with a rich cultural background and was exposed to music from a very young age. Her formal training began with Sri Mysore M. Mahadevappa, the father of the Mysore Brothers Dr. M. Manjunath and M. Nagraj. She continued her advanced training under the guidance of Dr. R. N. Srilatha, Professor at Fine Arts College, Mysore; Vidushi Koviladi R. Kala from Chennai; and Vidwan Venkataraghavan, a disciple of the late Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna.
Early Performances and Broadcasts
Sowmyashree began performing at the age of six across Southern Karnataka, in places like Mysore, Dharmasthala, Udupi, Kukke Subrahmanya, Kolluru, and Horanadu. Her concerts were held during auspicious religious and musical events. She also performed for All India Radio – Mysore and Doordarshan, the National Television Network in India.
Spreading Carnatic Music in the USA
Sowmyashree spent over ten years in the USA, where she dedicated herself to promoting Carnatic music and training more than 75 enthusiasts of all ages. As an active participant in the Chicagoland music scene, she performed regularly at the renowned Chicago Tyagaraja Utsavam.
At the Global Music Academy Sowmyashree offers lessons in Carnatic classical music.
Courses
Languages
English, Hindi