Vid. Smt. Vrinda Acarya

Renowned Carnatic Vocalist from Bangalore(India), Vidushi K. Vrinda Acharya, who is known for her captivating voice, uncompromising classicism and profound scholarship is popular with the rasikas of Carnatic Music. A multi-faceted personality, Vrinda has carved a niche for herself through her traditional Carnatic concerts, thematic programs, lecture demonstrations, paper presentations and music workshops. She has been recognised as one of the best Carnatic vocalists of Karnataka. Emphasis on bhava and clarity of sahitya, adherence to classical authenticity, eye for intricate nuances, wide repertoire and enthusiastic rendering of kritis are her special attributes which, coupled with a rich mellifluous voice, have groomed her into a proficient performer representing a purely classical school of music. Vrinda's musical talent was noticed at a very young age, when she would impress many musicians with her innate flair for singing, and get their appreciation and blessings. She was hailed as the 'Nightingale of the School' during her middle school days! She had her initial training in Carnatic Vocal Music from Vid. Shaila Subramanyam. She then came under the tutelage of Sangeetha Kalacharya Karnataka Kalashri Vid. NEELA RAMGOPAL. She also receives guidance from her husband Mridangam Maestro Vid. ARJUN KUMAR. Besides music, she has consistently shown her brilliance in academics, culminating in a Post-Graduation in Commerce (M.Com) with I Rank, Bangalore University (Gold Medalist). After many successful years of imparting education in management, finance and corporate laws as a full-time faculty with the Jain University and National School of Business, Vrinda decided to dedicate her time and efforts exclusively to Carnatic Music. Her equal passion for ancient Indian literature gave her a Post- Graduate degree (M.A) in Sanskrit. In addition, she has had the good fortune of studying various Sanskrit texts from traditional scholars. Being a good writer, she has authored books, book chapters and has been continuously contributing articles pertaining to Indian Culture, Music and Philosophy to various reputed magazines and websites. Given her strong foundation and research aptitude, it was natural for her to engage herself in serious research and academic writing. She is a lively and experienced teacher training several students in music, in India as well as abroad. The music workshops conducted by her at several places world over have gained immense commendation and popularity. She is also well-versed with the Sampradaya Bhajana Paddhati and an amateur Veena artist. She is the Vice-President and Managing trustee of ‘Anubhooti’ – an organisation founded by her along with Vid. Arjun Kumar, for the promotion and propagation of Indian traditional arts and cultural heritage.

Vid. Smt..Deepa Sastry

Smt. Deepa Sastry is a popular Carnatic violinist and vocalist for over three decades Initial vocal training from her mother Vidushi Smt. Rama Krishnamurthy and violin training from her aunt Vidushi Smt. Savithri Srinivas at a very early age. Disciple of Vid. Sri H.K. Narasimhamurthy, Mysore and Vid. Sri. H.S. Sudhindra, Bangalore. She is a graded artiste of All India Radio, Bangalore. Deepa has been a regular performer at the Chennai music season for over 2 decades. She has won the “Yuva Pratibhe” award from Annya Sangeetha Sabha, Bangalore, “Best Junior Violinist” award from Indian Fine Arts Society, Chennai to name a few. She has been accompanying many Dance Arangetrams and Rangapraveshams across USA. She runs a music school called “Deepam School of Indian Music and Arts”. In Frisco, TX and teaches violin and vocal students.

##Vid. Sri. Shankar Rajagopalan Shankar Rajagopalan started his mridangam journey at the age of 9 under the tutelage of Kalaimamani Shri Kutthalam Viswanatha Iyer, and had his arangetram at the age of 12 in the presence Shri Maharajapuram Santhanam, Shri MS Gopalakrishnan, Tanjavur Upendran, Veenai Pichumani Iyer, Flute N. Ramani and many other leading musicians. He has won various competitions conducted by The Music Academy, Mylapore Fine Arts, and YACM. He had the opportunity to accompany leading artistes like Veena Gayathri and Dwaram Mangathayaru along with Guru (double mridangam). He was fortunate to accompany Shri TV Gopalakrishnan for a concert in BITS Pilani. He is also an AIR graded artiste and recipient of center government scholarship awarded by the Government of India. Shankar moved to Dallas in 2014 and has been actively involved in the community teaching mridangam to children and also accompanying various local and visiting artistes.