L Subramaniam, often referred to as the “Paganini of Indian classical music“, is a virtuoso violinist, composer and conductor who has left an indelible mark on the world of music. As the much-anticipated Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival, in association with The Times of India, approaches, TOI got an opportunity to engage in an exclusive interview with the legendary musician.His wife, Kavita Krishnamurthy, an Indian playback singer, was also present. In this insightful conversation, Subramaniam generously shared his reflections on the profound impact of Carnatic music in India.
What’s your take on the current status and potential future of Carnatic music in today’s world?
I believe classical music will always be there. As long as human beings exist, whether it’s Beethoven, Tyagaraja, Dikshitar, or Bach, there will be individuals who understand the depth of this music and continue its legacy. However, there is a significant lack of support for instrumental musicians at the same time. There were great artists like T R Mahalingam, Rajarathnam Pillai, Chitti Babu,and Yosin. However, the trend has shifted to being primarily vocal-centric lately. This imbalance poses a risk, as major international festivals predominantly feature instrumentalists due to vocal language barriers. Just as an opera singer draws a limited audience, instrumental performances, particularly flute and piano, possess broader appeal. Neglecting the cultivation of instrumental music may lead to a scarcity of global instrumentalists in the future.
How do you intend to organize the Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival this year, and what kind of impact is anticipated on the audience?
This year, the Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival promises a spectacular showcase, featuring a grand orchestra from Kazakhstan and a choir of around 90 members. With a total ensemble of nearly 100 performers, this marks the largest gathering in the festival’s history. This fusion extravaganza transcends classical boundaries, blending East and West seamlessly. A highlight is the performance of the renowned Bharat Symphony, commissioned by Chicago’s mayor and previously played across Europe. Notably, the concert will be held in Delhi, Bengaluru, Mysuru and Mumbai. The final event at Shanmukhananda Hall in Mumbai hosts a western symphony and choir, a first for the venue.
You’ll be kicking off the tour with a performance in Delhi. What made Delhi the first choice? Are you excited to meet your fans in Delhi again?
The reason for hosting our inaugural concert in Delhi this year is our debut performance of the Bharat Symphony. What better place to showcase this remarkable piece than in Delhi? Additionally, our entire orchestra will be arrving to the city from Kazakhstan because there is a direct flight, making it convenient for us to deliver an exceptional performance.
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