Explore how mathematical patterns are used for improvisation in Carnatic music in a fascinating lecture-demo by Carnatic vocalist Sreeram Venkat, accompanied by Krish Mohan on mridangam (percussion) and Vedavarshini Raghavan (violin).

Mathematics plays a key role in several of the improvisational schemes used in Carnatic music. Many compositions also have complex mathematical components in their structure, and Carnatic percussionists use a plethora of mathematical patterns while accompanying or playing solo.

In this engaging presentation, Sreeram will introduce foundational elements of Carnatic music (raga, tala) and describe how mathematical patterns can be used when improvising in a song. He will address how basic mathematical concepts (for example, modular arithmetic) relate to Carnatic music and demonstrate each of the concepts through live musical examples with his accompanists.

RSVP via Eventbrite required to attend, with a suggested donation of $12 per person.
Please reserve free tickets for community members who cannot afford to attend otherwise.
When: Saturday, April 6, 2024 | 2:00p to 3:00p
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 Speaker
Sreeram Venkat has been learning Carnatic Music since the age of 5. He started learning from Smt. Shyamala Krishna in Kansas and later was under the tutelage of Smt. Geetha Ganesh in Cary, Sri Malladi Suribabu, and Smt. Malladi Vasavi in India. Currently, he is learning from Sri. Madurai R. Sundar in Detroit. He has given concerts and lecture-demonstrations throughout the USA and in India during the December Music Season. Sreeram graduated from NC State with degrees in Physics and Applied Mathematics. He is now doing his PhD at UT Austin in Computational Science, Engineering, and Mathematics.

Accompanying Artists
Sreeram will be accompanied by mridangam artist Krish Mohan and violinist Vedavarshini Raghavan.

Krish Mohan is an eighth grader in Cedar Valley Middle School. He has been learning Mridangam under the tutelage of Dr. Ravi Balasubramanian who is a renowned Ghatam artist. Krish did his mridangam arangetram accompanying Sai Sisters (Kiran and Nivi). Krish has performed at several events at Portland, Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio. He has participated and won prizes in music competitions conducted by prestigious organizations.

Vedavarshini Raghavan began learning Carnatic violin at the age of ten from her guru Sri Kalyan Gopalakrishnan, coming in the Lalgudi bANi, and Carnatic vocal music since the age of eight from her guru Smt. Kamakshi Kalyanasundaram. She also played western flute for her school band. She has won many prizes in competitions from established organizations in the U.S. Veda was blessed to perform her first concert accompanying her guru Smt. Kamakshi Kalyanasundaram, and she has performed in various festivals and events. She is currently a graduating senior at the University of Texas at Austin majoring in Biochemistry.

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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.