Saturday September 7, 2024

Violinists, Trina Basu and Arun Ramamurthy, reimagine the potential of string chamber music with a unique sound both deeply intimate and cinematically expansive. Rooted in traditions of South Indian classical music, Western chamber music, and jazz, the duo is uniquely positioned to create a sound that feels ancient, orchestral, and contemporary or as The New Yorker put it “free-flowing and globe-spanning.” In this concert, the duo will perform music from their transformative debut album Nakshatra (SPINSTER 2023), a Sanskrit word evocative of constellations, stars, and interconnectedness. According to The Guardian "Nakshatra is a gorgeously ruminative listen, blending the traditions of folk and south Indian carnatic music with heavenly improvisation." Original pieces like Tempest, inspired by a powerful storm and the peace that follows, takes listeners on a journey through lush harmonies, sharp dissonances and explorations of Indian ragas and rhythmic structures. Their arrangement of Sri Kamalambike, a traditional Carnatic composition, is in praise of goddess Kamalamba and written by 18th century composer Muthuwami Dikshitar. They also perform an adaptation of a popular Bengali film song by sitarist Ravi Shankar as well as pieces inspired by their families migration stories, love, and community coming together in challenging times. Expect dueling violins weaving intricate melodies, meditative passages to settle the heart, and adventurous improvisations culminating in a lush and spiritual collaboration that bridges traditions and defies genres.