For connoisseurs of Indian classical music, the Nāda Sambhrama, organised by the Nadathur Foundation, represents a confluence of novelty and tradition. This year, its sixth edition will feature noted musician and Padma Bhushan awardee Sudha Raghunathan.

When asked about her upcoming concert, Sudha says the music she will feature will not differ vastly from that rendered during the music season in Chennai. “The entirety of the music remains the same. But the journey in the two hours could change depending on where we sing,” she says.

Talking about her process, she says the pacing of her renditions relies on Swara Prashtara: spontaneous strings of notes aligned with the rhythm of her composition. “When we map a concert, there are certain areas where you can use mathematics and Swara Prashtara to make it more adventurous and interesting,” she says, adding, however, that she keeps her improvisations “at an aesthetic level, while still indulging in it.”

In her view, once one understands the lyrical content in whatever language you sing, be it Tamil or Telugu or Kannada, then automatically the music takes on a more spiritual and emotional aspect. “Without emotion, I don’t think music could survive,” says Sudha, who trained under ML Vasantakumari for over 13 years.

At the concert, she will be accompanied by Tumkur B Ravishankar and Giridhar Udupa playing the mridangam and ghatam, respectively, while Embar S Kannan will be on the violin. “You can expect a very intimate interaction between the percussionists and the violinist,” she says.

Raksha Sriram, the curator of Nāda Sambhrama, adds that Sudha is a musician of extraordinary artistry and grace. “Her life and work embody the values of excellence, devotion, and service that lie at the heart of Nāda Sambhramaa, and we are privileged to welcome her to our festival.”

Sudha Raghunathan will perform on July 11 from 6.30 to 8.30 P.M. at the Mangala Mantapa Auditorium, Bengaluru. Entry free for all.