“Sangeetalahari provides a wonderful platform for young musicians to grow and flourish.”
“Over the years, I have seen many students blossom through the nurturing environment created by Sangeetalahari. The opportunities to perform with professional accompanists have been invaluable for their growth. The community is warm, supportive, and truly dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of Indian classical music.”
“It’s a blessing to be part of such a committed organization that values discipline and artistic excellence.”
Srimati Krishnaveni Sarma has changed countless lives for the better, including my own. When Krishnaveni Sarma called me in my office at George Mason University in the early 2000s, I didn’t quite know what to make of her. I had been hired by the university to teach courses in musics of the world, with an emphasis on my specialty in the field of Ethnomusicology, that of music and culture in the Indian Subcontinent. Her proposal was to bring to GMU her grand project, one that she had already founded and launched in Fairfax, Virginia: the Trinity Music Festival. How, I in wondered, could this lovely, mild-mannered woman bring this feat to fruition at this university? She was neither a musician nor an academic. But she demonstrated from the start an iron will and imperturbable determination.
For my part, I argued to the Music Department Chair and to the Deans, that the presence of thIs festival on campus would greatly enhance the education of all students in my classes by offering to them—whether they be music majors or those taking a required General Education course in a non-Western subject—a living mini-fieldwork experience right here in their midst. I could advertise the event, on which they could base one of the four concert reports required in my syllabi, as a free trip to India! With not only Indian music and people but also Indian food! And I also argued to the higher-ups at GMU that this festival would bring to the university a good relationship with a flourishing Indian community in our area.
My arguments and Krishnaveni’s determination for this proposal won the day, and the Trinity Festival became a treasured yearly event at George Mason University for as long as I was teaching there—until I retired in 2008–and then for seven more years.
I should mention how my own personal wellbeing has been enhanced by the opportunity to experience live Carnatic music being nurtured and performed by students as well as by musicians of such high expertise—without having to go to India. It’s so inspiring to see South Indian music and culture thriving so fruitfully right here in America.
I and my students over the years at GMU thank you, Krishnaveni, and all the musicians and helpers who have so generously contributed their various energies and talents to this amazing community cultural event! As you have for so many other people, you have profoundly changed my life for the better! Thank you, Krishnaveni, for blessing us with the sublime fruits of your divinely inspired labors. I bow to you.
Very nicely and truly expressed 👏👏
As I told you on both days, we (I) are very proud of you😍
People may not say it, but they know deep down your capabilities and leadership qualities. It’s not easy to maintain two programs every year for 25 years😳, dealing with variety of people.
God bless you andi 🙏
Dear Krishna,
Deepest appreciation to you and all your helpers for planning and bringing us another outstanding event. I know you had lots of help, but it is your spirit and your spiritual helpers that propel this music festival. Thank you so much for your contributions to making our lives this time around so much richer!