Akshara Music Ensemble
New York City, New York, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2007 | SELF
Music
Press
The whole performance was much like a chamber performance. The Carnatic element was seeking its place in an environment that was created for another type if music. Yet the beauty and virtuosity was always there. The percussionists with Askara were brilliant. Of course, one expects this from Indian musicians. The thing that was obvious was how much music the got from such a simple set up. Akshara has proven themselves to be master musicians, whose work is exemplary of beauty and sublimity. - DooBeeDooBeeDoo NY
The whole performance was much like a chamber performance. The Carnatic element was seeking its place in an environment that was created for another type if music. Yet the beauty and virtuosity was always there. The percussionists with Askara were brilliant. Of course, one expects this from Indian musicians. The thing that was obvious was how much music the got from such a simple set up. Akshara has proven themselves to be master musicians, whose work is exemplary of beauty and sublimity. - DooBeeDooBeeDoo NY
"The Temple, a musical composition in Ragam Gambira Nattai and Kanda Chapu Talam by the Mridangam player AR Balaskandan explored the melodic and rhythmic structure of music by developing an exchange between violin and percussion culminating in an energetic finale. A Mallari from the soundtrack of Srirangaram composed by Shri Lalgudi Jayaraman proved to be an apt prelude to this piece for it was titled The Temple."
"...It was a treat to see the presentation by talented young Indian and non-Indian American artists who have worked hard to learn their art forms well. The music section led by AR Balaskandan was able to package Carnatic music in a fashion that would be appealing to the novice listener while not letting up on the classicism. It takes great creativity and talent to do that and congratulations are due to the team that included violinist Arjun Ramamurthy, Tabla player Jonathan Singer and Kanjira player Zach Knight. The use of rhythm as the center of the presentation was a novel concept that was very appealing. "
- www.lokvani.com
"The Temple, a musical composition in Ragam Gambira Nattai and Kanda Chapu Talam by the Mridangam player AR Balaskandan explored the melodic and rhythmic structure of music by developing an exchange between violin and percussion culminating in an energetic finale. A Mallari from the soundtrack of Srirangaram composed by Shri Lalgudi Jayaraman proved to be an apt prelude to this piece for it was titled The Temple."
"...It was a treat to see the presentation by talented young Indian and non-Indian American artists who have worked hard to learn their art forms well. The music section led by AR Balaskandan was able to package Carnatic music in a fashion that would be appealing to the novice listener while not letting up on the classicism. It takes great creativity and talent to do that and congratulations are due to the team that included violinist Arjun Ramamurthy, Tabla player Jonathan Singer and Kanjira player Zach Knight. The use of rhythm as the center of the presentation was a novel concept that was very appealing. "
- www.lokvani.com
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Bio
Mridangist, composer, and educator Bala Skandan formed Akshara Music Ensemble in 2008, assembling New York’s strongest voices in Indian classical music to explore the crossroads of the traditional and the contemporary.
Skandan’s original music expresses classical Carnatic (South Indian) ragas and talas through the forms of world music, jazz improvisation, and modern composition, creating a music as dynamic and diverse as New York City itself.
With an instrumentation ranging from hammered dulcimer, violins, and cello to mridangam, kanjira, and bansuri, Akshara’s music utilizes a broad sonic palette that highlights its members’ backgrounds in Carnatic, Hindustani, Western Classical, and Folk music. Through agile melody, propulsive percussion, and energetic ensemble interplay, they craft a hybrid music of uncommon beauty and rigor.
Akshara has presented work sponsored by some of New York’s leading arts institutions and music venues, including The Rubin Museum of Art, Lyric Chamber Music Society, Cornelia St. Café, and Rockwood Music Hall. In addition to their musical performances, Akshara is active in composing and performing new music to accompany classical dance productions, teaching workshops and masterclasses to music students, and bringing the richness of Indian classical traditions to audiences of initiates and neophytes alike.
The core ensemble currently features Bala Skandan on mridangam and compositions, Arun Ramamurthy on violin, Jay Gandhi on bansuri, Kabilan Jeganathan on kanjira, and Dave Eggar on cello, in addition to many special guests.
Band Members
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