Dr. Sumithra Vasudev
Dr. Sumithra Vasudev, a distinguished Carnatic classical musician, is celebrated for her classicism and depth in music, honed over 25 years of performing. Trained under Sangita Kalanidhi Smt. R. Vedavalli, her music showcases a blend of tradition and innovation, focusing on manodharma within the lakshana framework. She is an A-grade artiste of All India Radio and a regular performer at renowned Carnatic music festivals worldwide.
Profile
Dr. Sumithra Vasudev is a highly esteemed Carnatic Classical musician and a key disciple of Sangita Kalanidhi Smt. R. Vedavalli, with an extensive career spanning over 25 years in the field. Her musical journey began at the tender age of five, nurtured by her grandmother, Smt. Janakam Chari, and her parents, Smt. Padmaja and Sri. R. Vasudev. At eight, she commenced formal training under Smt. R. Vedavalli in the traditional Gurukula style, a bond that has flourished for more than three decades.
Sumithra’s musical style is renowned for its profound classicism and depth, focusing on improvisation (manodharma) within the established musical norms (lakshana). She excels in various aspects like Tanam, Niraval, Vrttam singing, and Ragam Tanam Pallavi renditions, showcasing both her unique approach and the influence of her illustrious lineage.
Acknowledged as an A-grade artiste by All India Radio, Sumithra regularly performs across prominent venues in India such as Chennai, Bangalore, Kerala, Mumbai, Delhi, and internationally. She has graced prestigious Carnatic music festivals including The December Music Season, Hindu’s November Fest, Aradhana festivals, Sangeet Pratibha, and the Kaladhar series by Sangeet Natak Akademi and the Cleveland Tyagaraja Aradhana.
Sumithra is actively engaged with SPICMACAY, conducting concerts and mentoring students during their intensives. Beyond her musical pursuits, she harbors a deep passion for Samskrta and Tamil literature, setting slokas and verses to melodious compositions and sharing them widely through various forums. Her special interest lies in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham in Tamil. Sumithra has curated exclusive concerts featuring the Divya Prabandham and has collaborated with her Guru on CD recordings dedicated to this ancient Tamil literary work. Additionally, she has honed her skills in Harikatha under the guidance of the esteemed veteran, Kalyanapuram Shri. R. Aravamudan. Sumithra has released numerous cassettes and CDs, showcasing a diverse range of themes and compositions. These include “Dakshin” by Rajalakshmi Audio, “Vaggeyakara” featuring Poochi Srinivasa Iyengar’s compositions by Charsur, “Devi Kritis” and Narayana Teertha’s Tarangams by HMV, “Shree Krishna Smaranam” by Gitaa Cassettes, and “Tasmai Shri Gurave Namaha,” a thematic CD exploring the concept of Guru. She has also produced a VCD focusing on Saundarya Lahari of Adi Sankara and “Kavikokilamanjari” in three volumes, encompassing verses, songs, and stotras of the eminent Sanskrit scholar Dr. V. Raghavan.
Her academic achievements include a Masters’ degree in Sanskrit Literature and a Ph.D. in Music on ‘Musical compositions of Ramasvami Diksita, Balasvami Diksita & Subbarama Diksita – A Study’. She also plays a significant role as a committee member of SamskrtaRanga, contributing to the promotion of Samskrt theatre, and actively participates in their theatrical productions, showcasing her versatile talents beyond the musical realm.
Achievements
◉ Ragam Tanam Pallavi Prize from the Music Academy (2019-20)
◉ Best Lecture Demonstration prize from the Music Academy (2018-19)
◉ Ustad Bismillah Khan YuvaPuraskar from The Sangeet Natak Akademi (2008).
◉ ‘Sangeeta Kala Ratna’ in the Cleveland Aradhana Celebrations, Cleveland, USA (2012).
◉ Best Vocalist prize from the Music Academy(2011).
◉ Best Lecture Demonstration prize from the Music Academy(2011).
◉ Washington Sivakumar Memorial Award from the Brahma Gana Sabha (2011).
◉ Yuvakalabharati from Bharat Kalachar (2008).
◉ Nada oli from Naada Inbam (2004).
◉ Yuva Kala Jyothi from Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham (2001).
◉ Ambujam Krishna award in the Spirit of Youth festival, conducted by Music Academy, Madras (1992), when she was 11 years old.
