Strung Together: Harmony between the Veena and Cello

Kamban has been playing the veena for 10 years, learning under Mrs Banumathy Raghuraman at Alapana Arts, Singapore. While the veena is his primary instrument, he has also played the keyboard casually for several years, developing an appreciation for both Western and Carnatic music. In 2023, Kamban joined the NUS Indian Instrumental Ensemble (IIE) to deepen his engagement with Indian music. He has performed extensively with Alapana Arts and participated in several IIE performances.  

Isaac began learning the cello at the age of six and has since been a part of several Western classical ensembles, including the Singapore National Youth Orchestra and the Orchestra of the Music Makers. In addition to his passion for Western classical music, Isaac has developed an interest in Indian classical music and is currently a member of the NUS Indian Instrumental Ensemble. 

Through the practice and performance of music deeply rooted in Indian culture, the NUS Indian Instrumental Ensemble (IIE) fosters an open and inclusive environment for cultural dialogue, blending a diverse range of global genres. IIE has explored themes central to traditional Indian music, from the evolution of music in the Indian subcontinent to religion and socio-political dialogues in the South Asian region. By blending Eastern and Western influences in fusion music, IIE aims to reflect the vibrant identity of contemporary Asian youth. Ultimately, IIE seeks to nurture dedicated musicians who champion Indian music in the Singapore arts scene, offering new dimensions to traditional practices.