An engaging introduction to the elements of Indian classical music, led by Dr. C.M. Venkatachalam. The lecture will address both melodic and rhythmic elements, as well as provide an overview of instruments commonly employed.

Enjoy examples and live demonstrations by local musicians, including a live demonstration of veena, an ancient instrument used in Indian music, led by Poornima Rao.

RSVP via Eventbrite required to attend.
Please reserve free tickets for community members who cannot afford to attend otherwise.
When: Saturday, April 13, 2024 | 3:30p to 4:30p
Where: 3806 Cherrywood Rd, Austin, TX 78722
Parking: Free parking available streetside and in Maplewood Elementary School lot at 3809 Maplewood Ave.

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About the Speakers
Dr. C. M. Venkatachalam was introduced to music at a very early age by his parents. He studied under Late Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar and under Kollam Harihara Bhagavatar in Chennai, India. He also learns with his aunt Smt Bala Narasimhan of Ottawa. He considers the Late Sangitha Kalanidhi T. Viswanathan to be his mAnasika guru from whom he derives inspiration for teaching music. Several music students are trained and guided at Doraiswamy Home of Music founded by him in 1997 in San Diego and later in Austin. Venkatachalam has been active in organizing concerts and also dealing with audio/video arrangements for concerts. He is one of the founding trustees of Indian Fine Arts Academy of San Diego, CA. In 1999, Cleveland Aradhana Committee bestowed on him the title “Kala Seva Mani”. In 2012 Indian Fine Arts Academy of San Diego presented him with the title “Sangeetha Seva Rathna”. He has a Ph D in molecular biophysics. He was a faculty in University of Michigan and University of Alabama in Birmingham. He worked as a senior scientist in a software company for 23 years to develop computer algorithms for designing drugs.

Poornima Rao started learning Carnatic vocals from her mother Smt. Vijaya Subramhanyam, got her initial training in Veena from her sister, Smt. Sangeetha Srinidhi and subsequently took advanced training from renowned flute artist from the Mali school, Vidwan AV Prakash. She has studied sugama sangeetha extensively under Smt. H.R. Leelavathi, a recipient of the CCRT Scholarship and a graded AIR and Doordarshan artist. She has composed and directed musical ensembles for groups such as Stage Sanchaar and for community events including features for Indian Raga Labs. She is an active musician and active in local music organizations. Poornima continues to learn from visiting artists and local maestros alike, and teaches Saraswathi Veena and vocals. She currently works  as a Product manager at Bio-Rad Laboratories.

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About the Festival
Wonderful India is a month-long festival featuring local artists and performers representing different regions and traditions of India. Experience artwork, music performances, dance recitals, community gatherings, workshops, lectures, and demonstrations in celebration of India’s artistic and cultural traditions.

Plan Your Visit to the Festival
Open Gallery Hours are scheduled at designated times through the week, along with curated cultural events and performances on the weekends. To view details about the schedule and lineup of artists and performers, visit www.wonderfulindiafestival.com.

Production & Supporters
Wonderful India Festival is produced by Artly World Nonprofit and has been financed in part by the City of Austin’s Elevate Grant Program.