SRUTI is pleased to present a Carnatic Vocal and Flute Concert by

Abhishek Raghuram (vocal) and Shashank Subramanyam (flute), accompanied by Parupalli S. Phalgun (mridangam) and Krishna Sriram (ghatam).

Abhishek Raghuram (vocal) is a preeminent Indian classical vocalist, composer, and musician whose artistry is defined by a rare fusion of technical mastery and deep emotional resonance. Born into a lineage of musical giants, his aesthetic was shaped by a childhood immersed in the rhythmic intricacies of his grandfather, the legendary mridangam maestro Palghat Raghu, and the musical influence of his mother, Usha. Under the rigorous tutelage of his vocal mentor, Shri P.S. Narayanaswamy, Abhishek cultivated a philosophy of total surrender to the art form and a relentless pursuit of musical knowledge.

Renowned for his powerful and versatile voice, Abhishek’s performances are a profound exploration of the Carnatic genre, balancing a primal energy with a highly polished, intellectual depth. His approach to music is one of continuous discovery, focusing on the subtle nuances between notes to create a layered and immersive experience for his audience. Whether performing in prestigious venues across India or on the international stage, his work is celebrated for its structural complexity and its ability to transcend cultural boundaries. Today, Abhishek Raghuram stands as a visionary leader of his generation, recognized for pushing the boundaries of traditional composition while maintaining a steadfast foundation in the classical idiom.

Shashank Subramanyam (flute) is an eminent exponent of the Indian bamboo flute, recognized globally for his mastery and innovation. A child prodigy, he began performing in 1984 at age six, shortly after the legendary T.R. Mahalingam (Mali) prophesied his brilliant future. He received rigorous training in the Carnatic tradition from his father, M.N. Subramanyam, and the esteemed Palghat K.V. Narayanaswami, while further diversifying his artistry by studying Hindustani music under the legendary Pandit Jasraj.

Renowned for his technical brilliance, Shashank revolutionized flute playing through his “transposed fingering” technique and the use of multiple flutes to expand the instrument’s tonal range. His illustrious career is marked by prestigious accolades, including the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knighthood) from the Government of France (2022), the senor Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2017) from Govt of India, as its youngest recipient, and the Kalaimamani from the Government of Tamil Nadu (2001).

With over 80 albums and a Grammy nomination for the album Floating Point with John McLaughlin, Shashank has collaborated with icons such as Paco de Lucia, Zakir Hussain, Shahid Parvez, Ajoy Chakraborthy, among many others, across more than 50 countries. He remains a definitive voice in Indian classical music, blending traditional depth with a contemporary, global vision.

Parupalli S. Phalgun (Mridangam) is an exceptionally talented and dynamic Mridangam artist. Phalgun began his musical journey at the tender age of five under the tutelage of the Late Sri Radhakrishna Raju and Sri M.L.N. Raju of All India Radio, Vijayawada.

Widely acclaimed for his dexterity, tonal clarity, and refined fingering techniques, Phalgun is a versatile performer whose artistry spans traditional Carnatic concerts, innovative duets, and global collaborative projects. A true virtuoso, he has shared the stage with some of the most celebrated musicians from India and abroad.

Phalgun’s performances have captivated audiences across the globe, with tours spanning India and the world over.

Of numerous accolades, Phalgun was honoured with the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, Government of India, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Indian classical music. Phalgun currently serves as a faculty member at the Government Music College, Vijayawada, continuing to inspire the next generation of percussionists.

Krishna Sriram (Ghatam) is a distinguished percussionist who plays the Ghatam, a clay pot instrument used in Carnatic Music. Ghatam is used to depict the rhythm in Carnatic music. Trained under the Ghatam Vidwan (legend) V Suresh, and guided by doyens such as T.H Vinayakaram, Krishna (known as Ghatam Krishna) has been playing alongside mridangists of various styles, accompanying both vocal and instrumental music.

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