Famous Carnatic musician due here

One of the foremost singers of Carnatic music will be in Auckland later this month for a concert organised by Rasikas New Zealand.

Sikkil Gurucharan, who has regaled lovers of the time-honoured South Indian style of music will perform from 530 pm at the Raye Freedman Arts Centre, Epsom Girls Grammar School on Saturday, August 17.

Venkataramanan Sanjeev and Mannarkoil Balaji will accompany him respectively on Violin and Mridangam. Tickets, priced at $30 (Reserved), $15 (adults) and $10 (children and seniors) are now available.

Distinguished family

Born and raised in the famous Sikkil family (he is the grandson of Sikkil Kunjumani, who, with her younger sister Neela is known as ‘Sikkil Sisters), Gurucharan came under the guidance of Vaigal Gnanaskandan. B Krishnamurthy, who is renowned as a Great teacher.

Named by India Today listed him among ‘35 Game Changers’ (young achievers under 35 years of age), Gurucharan has been a professional, with a deep-rooted commitment to Carnatic music.

He has performed in many parts of the world including India, Australia, South Korea and Singapore. As well as traditional Carnatic music, he has created a format combining Piano with Classical vocal music along with Pianist Anil Srinivasan.

Described by legendary guitarist John McLaughlin as ‘devastatingly beautiful,’ the format has followers across the world including India, Singapore, Australia, Europe and US. With several albums to their credit, the duo has performed with renowned artists like the Dhananjayan brothers, Anita Ratnam, Anandavalli, Ramli Ibrahim and Muraad Ali.

Photo : Sikkil Gurucharan