The gifted S. Sowmya was recently in New Delhi to perform the inaugural concert at Sree Shunmukhananda Sangeetha Sabha's Thyagaraja Music Festival. Talent and hard work have made Sowmya one of the leading Carnatic vocalists today.
In a chat after the concert, Sowmya expressed her view that kritis and presentation should be such as to please both the young and old in the audience. Excerpts from the interview:
Musical beginnings
Mine has been a life soaked in melody since childhood. Born into a family of traditional values, I was initiated into music by my father who has a passion for Carnatic music. Then I came under the wing of Dr (S.) Ramanathan, an exemplary musician, esteemed musicologist and an extraordinary human being. The music journey continued with the legendary T. Mukta, and I dedicate my success in this field to both of them.
Approach towards a concert
For me, theory and vidwat (erudition) might appeal to the intellect, but when you transmit your experience, the feel of a kriti, to the audience, the performer is able to make a connection with the rasikas. As a performer, I come with the frame of mind to give the best and to please the listeners.
Singing in a sabha and singing on occasions like a marriage offer a different experience. Sabha audiences come with the frame of mind to listen to only music, whereas on the other occasion, the agenda is different. The selection of songs should please the floating crowd. I utilise these occasions to try new kritis, rare ragas, kritis that are not sung in recent times and derive some benefit for myself.
Music is beyond boundaries
About her gurus
I get satisfaction when I am able to walk on the path shown by my gurus. The paattantaram is strongly imbibed in me and I wish to take it forward the same way, adhering to the strict classical values as it was presented to me by my gurus Dr. Ramanathan and Mukta
On propagating Carnatic music…
I request parents to let their children hear music. That alone can ignite an interest in them.
Carnatica (the organisation she co-founded with fellow musician Shashikiran) was established to propagate Carnatic music. We needed a platform to promote the basic lessons we brought in CD form. The success of the talent hunt programme in Carnatic music on television has been tremendous. The younger generation, in spite of its hectic schedules and academic pressure, is showing greater interest in learning Carnatic music.
Here, I appreciate the parents who are very supportive in caring for the art. Through Carnatica we give special training to talented children and present them at prestigious forums, stages. Through this, along with financial support, we motivate the youngsters to excel in their art.
The benefits beneficial of technology
Technological advances have connected rasikas all over the world. Healthy interaction on the subject across the globe is possible through the click of a mouse.
The invaluable treasures are available to all, and we are flooded with questions and compliments immediately after each concert. I can say our audience is not limited to the concert hall itself. With technological advancement, each concert is on the global auditorium.
Health tip
To maintain my voice I keep “mouna vritam” (vow of silence) once a week, and normally restrict my telephone conversations to give rest to my vocal chords.
