In an extraordinary concert that promises to be a tour-de-force of musical virtuosity, the ‘Masters of Music’ event slated for June 16 will feature a constellation of Grammy winners, including the versatile L Shankar, Vikku Vinayakram, and V Selvaganesh. The stage will come alive with a fusion of the rich melodies and rhythms from classical Indian percussion and stringed instruments. Alongside Shankar, Vinayakram, and Selvaganesh, the ensemble will be joined by Ustad Fazal Qureshi and Swaminathan Selvaganesh, ensuring an unforgettable experience for those in attendance.
The event, which reverberates with the spirit of collaborative excellence, has Shankar expressing the quintessence of teamwork that fuels their group’s energy. “Classical concerts often come with a complexity that is challenging yet rewarding. And now, we aim to present that to our audience with songs from Shakti’s original albums—a Grammy-winning band known for its intricate and exhilarating compositions,” says the violin virtuoso. Shankar’s illustrious career is a tapestry of diverse musical partnerships, which he believes further amplifies the excitement of their impending act. “Working in a group, the focus is on unity, not the individual. We are a team of phenomenal artists coming together for this concert,” he adds confidently.
Shankar emphasizes the importance of synergy and the art of listening amongst the musicians. He articulates that keeping an open mind is indispensable for a group’s successful harmonization, especially when the members are seasoned artists enriched by years of experience. Each performance, Shankar believes, should aim to surpass the last, underscoring his enduring ethos to outperform himself every time he takes the stage. This mantra has seen him through periods of criticism and uncertainty, such as when he first worked with Shakti, an experience he recalls with perseverance, having always followed his instincts and creative passions.
Drawing from his time spent in the United States since 1969, Shankar notes that the American music system’s openness has been a significant boon. He contrasts this with the more conservative framework of South India, recounting his mentorship roles where he encourages emerging musicians to pursue liberty in their artistic endeavors. This perspective was informed by his encounters with legends like Frank Zappa, who he admires for his steadfast dedication to following his artistic vision without compromise.
Reminiscing about his initial years in America, Shankar recalls the cultural milieu that was then hungry for novel musical expressions. His arrival on the American shores coincided with a burgeoning interest in Indian music, partially influenced by The Beatles’ rendezvous with Ravi Shankar and George Harrison’s sitar studies. Shankar’s contribution to this growing fascination was a blend of Indian musical flavors with the learning he acquired from the Western system. He offers an introspective view on the evolution of music dissemination, from local newspaper reviews to the instantaneous sharing culture enabled by platforms like YouTube, which allows audiences across the globe to witness performances from his extensive career spanning several decades.
In a reflective tone, Shankar shares his belief in the virtues of the bygone eras where rigorous practice and research were the pillars of a musician’s growth. The dedication required to excel in those times, he asserts, gets embedded into one’s essence, a stark contrast to the contemporary reliance on technology which, in his opinion, can sometimes hinder the development of core musical skills like ear training. It’s these olden systems, with their inherent greatness, that have helped shape an enduring foundation for artists like Shankar, who continues to impact the world stage while remaining true to the traditions of his craft.
As ‘Masters of Music’ approaches, music lovers are set to witness a harmonious blend of experiences, perspectives, and sounds that define the ensemble’s collective identity. L Shankar, with his Grammy-winning heritage and dedication to artistic freedom, is poised to lead this ensemble into yet another memorable performance that will resonate with audiences long after the echo of the last note fades away.
