Aishu Venkataraman

Aishu, born Aishwarya Venkataraman in Northridge, California, grew up surrounded by music and musicians on February 25, 1993. Aishu began her training in Suzuki violin at the tender age of two-and-a-half.  At age four, she started learning the Carnatic or South Indian style of music under the tutelage of the eminent violin maestro T. N. Krishnan. Widely regarded as the Yehudi Menuhin of the East, Krishnan has selected and groomed Aishu to be his next protege an honor of the highest magnitude Currently, Aishu is continuing her study of Carnatic music under the guidance of Indias famed musicologist Shri S.R. Janakiraman who was recently awarded the Padma Shri by the Indian government,

While continuing to play South Indian Classical Music, Aishu began training at the famed Berklee College of Music with an emphasis on jazz performance, earning a full scholarship.  She carries the unique distinction of being the youngest student to receive a Bachelors of Arts from this esteemed institution. Aishu is currently pursuing her second Bachelors degree at Stanford University in Stanford, California.

Aishu's tonal quality, spectral purity and strong bowing technique are the hallmarks of her performance style. Her proficiency in Jazz as well as Carnatic Music distinguishes her style.

According to the Star of Mysore, "In Aishwarya nature seems to have treasured a worthy successor to the current four violin giants: TN Krishnan, Lalgudi G. Jayaraman, Parur MS Gopalakrishnan and M Chandrashekhar. Watch her evolution with love and care."  Additional highlights in Aishus career include performances the Historic Hoover Theater in San Jose, and the Women's Music, Art, Dance, and Word Festival.  Aishu was also the featured artist during halftime of the Nets/Knicks basketball game at the prestigious Continental Airlines arena.  She has also been featured on NPR's "Crossing East" series, and will be highlighted in HBO's The Music in Me, Senses Magazine, and was the featured artist on Entertainment Studios documentary, The Young Icon. 

Aishu's debut CD, Divine Strings"was recorded at the tender age of 9.  Her most recent album is Bliss, recorded with percussion legend Vellore Ramabhadran. Currently, Aishu is working on her first crossover album, which integrates both Jazz and Carnatic music.

Follow Aishu's musical journey on the web at www.divinestrings.com.