Thu Jan 30 11:52:02 UTC 2025: ## Veena Virtuoso Suma Sudhindra to Premiere “Meera Tarangini” with 50-Member Ensemble

**Bengaluru, January 30, 2025** – Renowned veena player Suma Sudhindra will premiere her latest composition, “Meera Tarangini,” on February 2nd at the Chowdiah Memorial Hall in Bengaluru. The free event will feature a 50-member ensemble, showcasing a unique orchestration of six Meera bhajans.

Sudhindra, a recipient of numerous awards including the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Puraskar, has dedicated her career to promoting Carnatic music and veena artistry. Her journey, as detailed in a recent interview, highlights her dedication to expanding the instrument’s reach and exploring innovative musical collaborations.

After completing her PhD on the evolution of stringed instruments in Carnatic music, Sudhindra sought further tutelage under the legendary Chitti Babu, whose distinct tonal clarity and fingering techniques significantly influenced her style. This mentorship led to the founding of Tarangini Arts Foundation, which has championed the veena through concerts and workshops for over 50 years.

“Meera Tarangini” represents a new level of experimentation for Sudhindra, incorporating a 40-member veena section, a chorus designed by Suchethan Rangaswamy, and a six-member percussion team. The performance reflects Sudhindra’s lifelong commitment to pushing boundaries, a philosophy echoed in her collaborations with jazz musicians and her creation of a portable, travel-friendly veena.

Despite facing criticism for her early fusion attempts, Sudhindra persevered, drawing inspiration from the words of violin maestro Lalgudi G Jayaraman, who emphasized the importance of advancing stringed instruments and their unique language. Today, her work encompasses directing outreach for the Indian Music Experience, contributing to the Bengaluru International Arts Festival, and previously leading operations at Chowdiah Memorial Hall. Her commitment to musical dissemination continues to shape the Carnatic music landscape.

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