Unison: A Carnatic Odyssey

Rithvik Raja is one of the leading young faces of South Indian classical music. His music is fresh, youthful and vibrant with a natural flair. Known for his emotive style of rendering songs, his music is of the highest quality, punctuated with abundant creativity. With a uniquely endowed voice, his pitch perfect singing combined with honest and soulful music, make his performances a treat. He has travelled extensively in India and abroad for workshops, lectures and concerts while collaborating with the best artists of this genre. He has won all major competitions, holds various prestigious awards to his credit, and has government grants and scholarships under his belt. He works closely with a number of organisations to create an awareness for the arts and help the youth of the country understand the underlying link between the arts and our own cultural traditions. 

His guru is a star on the Carnatic music stage and off it, having received international acclaim for his ideals and work. His mother is a popular music teacher who has trained hundreds of children. But this young man comes with no sense of entitlement; instead, he combines his tutelage with plenty of talent and tenacity, and is charting his own —successful— course. Over the past few years, he has travelled far, performed widely and won much appreciation. Confident and candid, he is ascending the ladder to the top, surely and steadily. Rithvik Raja is a prime disciple of the redoubtable Shri T.M. Krishna. 

Vignesh Ishwar embodies a harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation, a maestro whose resonance extends beyond melodies, weaving a vibrant legacy at the intersection of music and humanity. Nurtured by the profound tutelage of Palakkad Shri T S Anantharama Bhagawathar from an early age, Vignesh’s artistic journey flourished under the mentorship of the distinguished Sri T M Krishna. With a career marked by prestigious performances worldwide, including over 15 years gracing the revered stages of Chennai’s December Music Festival and enthralling diverse global audiences from Singapore to the United States, Vignesh’s artistry extends beyond melodious renditions to encompass enlightening lectures and empowering workshops.  

A recipient of esteemed awards like the MS Subbulakshmi Award and the MLV Award, he is also recognised as a graded artist of All India Radio Chennai, with accolades from critics and connoisseurs that affirm his profound impact. Vignesh’s synergy of music and technology led him to contribute actively to the CompMusic project by the European Research Council, yielding a legacy of publications in international academic forums. A devoted volunteer and advocate for the arts, he engages ardently in initiatives such as Svanubhava and Chennai Kalai Theru Vizha, while his leadership in establishing the Sumanasa Foundation’s COVID-19 Artist Support Fund, alongside his mentor T.M. Krishna, reflects his dedication to uplifting marginalised artists in times of need.