V.Shankaranarayanan is an accomplished vocal artist and a professional Carnatic musician. Currently employed in a leading multi national bank, he has performed all over India and abroad. Being an A-grade artist since 2002, he is a regular performing artist. Several awards have been given to him in recognition of his talent. A number of concerts and recitals are organized by him in India, Singapore and Malaysia to propagate classical music. Shankar’s ability to balance his creativity and the traditional composition is one of his extraordinary skills. Shankaranarayanan speaks to Chennaionline in an exclusive music season special…
Q: How did get you initiated to Carnatic music and who was your first guru?
A: I started learning music at the age of 6 and trained under Guru Vaigal S. Gnanaskandan. He is one such Guru that I wish every sishya had, and I owe a lot to him for whatever I am today. My initiation to music was not that hard as my father is a violinist and has been involved in the music field for a long time. Renowned musicians used to visit my home regularly for practice sessions. As I was constantly exposed to this wonderful atmosphere from my childhood, I was naturally drawn to Carnatic music. I first performed at the age of 9, at Children’s Academy.
Q: Who have been your biggest musical influences from childhood?
A: I have grown up listening to Madurai Sri T.N. Seshagopalan’s music. He is like my god - a man of pure and unparallel talent. Sri T.R.Subramaniam who I’m currently learning from, is another person I admire. It is from him that I learnt that composition singing and Kalpana Swara singing can be made interesting by using one’s intelligence thereby giving a different flavour to it while still confining to the traditional framework. He has taught me to give my own touch to music by combining both the theoretical and practical part of singing. Sri GNB, Neyveli Sri Santhanagopalan and Lalgudi sir are also artists I look up to. However, I introduce my own original ideas and variations while from the copybook style to highlight the essence of a composition.
Q: How do you juggle work and your music?
A: Like all other musicians with dual careers, I do my best in managing both. It is challenging to be a musician and a corporate executive. I divide my time judiciously between work and music. I work out of India for 2 weeks every month and that give me an opportunity to learn, perform and connect with the music community. While I am travelling, I perform outside India as well. I perform regularly in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta and other places. The most notable institution in Singapore being SIFAS.
Q: You have given many concerts abroad and popularized Carnatic music...
A: Yes I do about 100 concerts in a year. I perform regularly in all the important festivals - December music season, Ramanavami, Navarathiri etc. I have performed in festivals and other programs conducted in Singapore, Jakarta, KL. There is a music society called “Music Circle” that we have formed in Singapore for which I’m the secretary. We conduct regular thematic concerts as part of the Music Circle. Typically, these are chamber concerts in an informal setting that involves the main artist to speak about the theme a little bit to improve the audience’s understanding of music followed by the concert. The idea is to improve the overall knowledge of the listening public so that that can appreciate our music better. We are celebrating GNB centenary in a grand scale in Singapore and Malaysia next year for which we have invited . Madurai Sri T N Seshagopalan and Smt Sudha Raghunathan to perform.
Q: Can you elaborate on the music society in Singapore?
A: The music society was created so that people are in regular contact with classical music as well as to improve their understanding of the finer aspects of Carnatic Music. This ensures that the next time they see a concert they will be able to understand and appreciate what the artist is doing on stage. This music forum has no entry fee. It is made so to encourage people to join this forum.
Q: How do you see the future of Carnatic music in a world of competing systems and distractions?
A: In this generation youngsters have more exposure and are confident of what they do. It’s a good thing that there are a lot of young artists coming up in the classical music field. The future looks bright as a lot of people seem to be showing interest. I don’t think there is any other form of music that is as advanced as Carnatic music. It is complex and intricate which is why a lot of people tend to avoid going into the depths of it. However, generation of youngsters have the “can-do” attitude that helps them to face these challenges with confidence. Carnatic music has also become global now, which is a good thing because we have to break the geographic and cultural boundaries if we want to spread it.
Q: What would you like to tell other aspiring artists?
A: To be able to perform on stage for 2 hours or more is not a simple feat. The artists should feel proud that they have the talent and skill for something which is not easily attainable. If you want to keep a tradition alive, it has to keep changing. Innovate and make the music sound rich. True involvement in music can give immense inner peace.
Meeta Chandrasekhar