Mysuru: Renowned Carnatic musician Prince Aswathi Thirunal Rama Varma will present a special music concert in Mysuru on Friday, March 13, as part of the Dr R Sundarachar and Saraswathy Rao Memorial Concert series.

The programme is being organised by the Mysuru-based cultural organisation Ganabharathi and will be held at 6 pm. The event is expected to draw music enthusiasts and followers of Carnatic classical music from across the region.

According to organisers, the concert is intended to honour the memory of Dr R Sundarachar and Saraswathy Rao while promoting classical music traditions in the city.

Concert organised as memorial tribute

The memorial concert forms part of Ganabharathi’s continued efforts to promote classical music and cultural activities in the city. The organisation regularly hosts performances by leading artistes from across the country, providing a platform for both established and emerging musicians.

The upcoming programme will feature Prince Rama Varma, who is widely respected for his contributions to Carnatic music as a vocalist as well as a veena exponent.

The event is being sponsored by T S Venugopal and Shailaja, according to a press note issued by C G Ravishankar, secretary of Ganabharathi.

Organisers said the concert will showcase a rich selection of Carnatic compositions and is expected to attract a large audience of classical music lovers.

Accompanied by renowned instrumentalists

Prince Rama Varma will be accompanied by a distinguished group of musicians during the concert.

The accompanying artistes include Avaneeshwaram S R Vinu on violin, Trichy B Harikumar on mridangam and N Amrit on khanjira.

Avaneeshwaram S R Vinu is an ‘A Top’ grade artiste of All India Radio and Doordarshan. A recipient of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademy Kalashree award, Vinu is widely recognised as one of the most sought-after violin accompanists in Carnatic concerts. He has performed alongside many leading musicians and has appeared in concerts across India and abroad.

Mridangam artist Trichy B Harikumar, who hails from Changanasery, is known for his accompaniment to some of the greatest names in Carnatic music, including K V Narayanaswamy, P S Narayanaswamy, M Balamuralikrishna and Madurai T N Seshagopalan.

Khanjira artist N Amrit from Bengaluru is another prominent musician who has collaborated with several well-known composers and performers in India and abroad.

Renowned Carnatic musician and veena exponent

Prince Rama Varma, popularly known as Prince Rama Varma, is a distinguished Carnatic vocalist and an accomplished exponent of the Saraswati Veena.

Belonging to the royal family of Thiruvananthapuram, he has built a reputation as a versatile performer with a deep understanding of classical compositions, particularly those of Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma.

Over the years, he has performed at many prestigious music festivals and sabhas across India and internationally, earning recognition for his musical scholarship and expressive style.

Apart from his performances, Prince Rama Varma has also been associated with cultural initiatives and movements aimed at promoting inclusivity within classical music traditions.

One such initiative was his campaign advocating the inclusion of women as both performers and listeners at the Navaratri Mandapam, a venue historically associated with classical music performances.

Mysuru’s vibrant classical music culture

The city has long been known for its strong tradition of classical music and cultural patronage. Organisations like Ganabharathi play an important role in sustaining this heritage by regularly hosting concerts, lecture demonstrations and cultural festivals.

Such events provide audiences with opportunities to experience high-quality classical performances and interact with renowned musicians.

The upcoming memorial concert is expected to further strengthen Mysuru’s reputation as an important centre for classical music appreciation in Karnataka.

Conclusion

The Dr R Sundarachar and Saraswathy Rao Memorial Concert promises to be a memorable evening for Carnatic music enthusiasts in Mysuru. With Prince Rama Varma leading the performance and a distinguished ensemble of accompanying artistes, the programme is expected to showcase the richness and depth of classical music traditions.

Music lovers in the city are likely to witness a vibrant and soulful presentation that celebrates both musical excellence and cultural heritage.