Jaffna Music Festival

Traditions Meet - Classical Instrumental Recital

This will be a novel attempt at blending North Indian classical music with South Indian Carnatic music. Well known Hindustani and Carnatic musicians will perform together and bring out the uniqueness of each tradition as well as the beauty and splendor of being in harmony. Both systems are based on ragas, India's loveliest of gifts to the world. Music has no barriers, and this unique combination of traditions will touch the spirit and heart of its listeners.

Dr. Nirmala Kumari (Sitar) studied for 11 years in India at the Bhatkhande College of Music Lucknow and the Benaras Hindu University and obtained her Doctorate in Music. She has held many sitar concerts in India, Europe and Sri Lanka.

Shasthrapathi Sarath Kumara Liyanawatte (Flute) studied music under his father. He graduated from the Institute of Aesthetic Studies, University of Kelaniya and obtained the Degree of Master of Music from the Benaras Hindu University.

Suderamoorthy Gobithas (Violin) was awarded a Diploma in Music (Violin) by the University of Jaffna.  He worked as an Assistant Lecturer in Violin at the Ramanathan Academy of Fine Arts, University of Jaffna.

Sangeetha Vidvan, Isai Kalai Mani Wageeshan (Veena) is a disciple of Karaikudi T. R. Sanbasivan and Dr R. S. Jayalaxmy. He studied the veena at the Government Music College Chennai and has performed at many music kachcheris in India and Sri Lanka.

M. Lohendran (Miruthangam) is the youngest son of the famous miruthangam artist and lecturer at the University of Jaffna. He started learning the miruthangam from his early childhood. He continued in higher studies in miruthangam at Annamalai University India.

Peshala Manoj (Tabla) graduated and obtained the Degree of Master of Music from the Bhatkhande University Lucknow. He has held many tabla solo performances in Sri Lanka and India. He is a member of the academic support staff at the University of Visual & Performing Arts.

Shasthrapathi Yamuna Uswatte (Thampura) graduated from the Institute of Aesthetic Studies, University of Kelaniya. She has obtained the Degree of Master of Music from University of Kelaniya and is a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Kelaniya.